Life can change suddenly like a flash flood, but God’s peace is available.
Like a flash flood roaring through a mountain canyon, anxiety came out of nowhere to overtake me. I was caught by surprise and taken down by its destructive power. I quickly found myself submerged in turbulent waters filled with debris from a broken heart — debris that I thought had been removed from my spirit. Debris that blocks the flow of Living Water, the well from which I find my peace.
My thoughts began to swirl, my spirit quake. Overwhelming fatigue manifested, using fibromyalgia to mock me.
It was terrible and sudden.
But then the Holy Spirit stirred within and reminded me who God is:
He is able.
He is faithful.
Nothing takes Him by surprise.
I am His child.
He is with me always.
He enjoys making a way for His children where there seems to be no way.
I had a choice to make: think on these things, or focus on the flash flood of destructive thoughts and circumstances that sought to drown me.
Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — think on these things … and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Philippians 4:8-9
I chose God’s way.
I began to focus on the promises of my Heavenly Father. In my mind’s eye I imagined Him reaching out His strong hand to pull me from the unbridled flood of devastation.
And my spirit grew quiet. Calm. Peaceful. I began to breathe and rest and settle into the arms of the Lord. He tucked me beneath the shadow of His wings until these calamities passed me by.
Sweet friend, I know you, too, have times of overwhelming anxiety when circumstances get out of control and devastation knocks at your door. Remember, God has given us a means of escape. Our enemy can trouble us with our thoughts, but He CANNOT touch our spirit which is safe within the arms of our Father. Choose life. Choose peace in the storm. Choose to stand on God’s Word and think on those things worthy of praise and then begin to praise Him. You are a child of the Most High God. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He stands ready, with arms opened wide, to receive you and tuck you beneath the shadow of His wings.
Bless the Name of the Lord.
Oh Nanni, how I can relate to this! Thank you. Thank you for pointing me toward the door that will usher me back into the presence of God and become overwhelmed in Him and not my circumstances.