Friday, February 26, 2010

Resting in God's Care

These past few months have been stressful, to say the least. Despite the fact that I "KNOW" God is in control and knows where we're at, stress and depression still have a way of sneaking in and robbing me of joy, peace, and a sense of security.

I've been having constant headaches/migraines, pains in my neck and shoulders, dizziness... and depression. As in -- "not wanting to get out of bed" depression. I haven't wanted to do anything that required any thought whatsoever (writing my book, blogging, facebook, church stuff, family stuff, etc.).

Yesterday, I experienced an emotion that I haven't experienced since I got laid off in December. I broke down and cried. I was talking to a sweet friend, and the stress just exploded and bubbled out of me. Fortunately for me, I was on the phone with a friend I trust implicitly, and I'm so grateful that she had the presence of mind to pray for me and my family and to pray for PEACE... which I thought I had ... and maybe I did ... but like I said earlier, stress and depression have robbed me of that without my realizing it. God used my friend in a mighty way yesterday! I'm so thankful that God puts the right people in our paths when we need them for comfort and strength!

Today, I was reading Psalm 46, and I was reminded of some important things in a time of stress, trial and difficulties:

1. God is a safe place to hide, helping me when we need him. I'm telling you, I needed that.

2. It doesn't matter what's going on around me... I don't have to fear! He is BIGGER than everything going on around me, and he takes care of me!

3. I just need to stop struggling and fighting against life's current, and remember that HE is God. No one else is. He is the authority and power around me, and no matter what happens, he's completely in charge. HE IS, and I am WITH HIM.

Even though life may be full of confusion and stress, when we are in God's presence there is peace. There is rest.

9 comments:

BARBIE said...

I am so sorry you are struggling so and going through this season right now. I will pray for you! I am thankful that God allowed you to have a release of your emotions and that He allowed a trusting friend to walk you through it. Rest in His love!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this blog. I have been having a very stressful week and I haven't been remembering to pray about it. You just reminded me that God can handle all that is going on in my life this week. I hope that your outlook gets brighter.

Donnetta said...

Some seasons are so much more difficult than others. I'm sorry this is such a season for you.

Rejoicing as you are reminded of a God who has not left you in this season!

May you continue to find your rest and peace in Him alone.

One of my all time favorite verses/promises comes to mind...

Ps. 91:1-2,4 (NLT)

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

Hugs Friend!

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Anonymous said...

I walk the same path of depression struggles/anxiety--but have been able to brighten up a bit by finding some piece of joy in each day--by looking at my husband and seeing the face of God. By looking at my daughter, and seeing the hand of God move. By releasing YESTERDAY so I can enjoy the TODAY. You have a wonderful purpose in God's big plan --most of which you already know--working with youth--and being a Barnabus (encourager)-- you share His love and light especially when you are on your feet, not under the blankets. :-) Keep your eyes on His Son and you will see your blessings. "Replace your FEARS with your FAITH in what God has in store for you & yours! ---love a sistah--Gretchen Kingan
Adventures Are Us

Jennifer said...

oh, have I been there! Walking through depression is such a hard place to be, but you're right that God IS WITH YOU! I'll be praying for you. Isaiah 43:2 has helped me through many dark times.

achristianmommy said...

I will pray that God continues to help you get through this difficult time. When going through an extremely difficult time last year (I had two miscarriages and my grandmother passed away), the words of Jeremy Cam's song, "There Will Be a Day" were extremely comforting to me, as was Romans 8:28, which says," And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Here are the lyrics to "There Will Be a Day."

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel your walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Hang in there, kiddo. Walking the road with you. DaHubby's been down around 24-32 hours for over a year and then got laid off for good Feb 4th. Since he is a full time student, he was initially denied unemployment. We just got our first check on March 2nd. However, "my God is so big...so great and so mighty..." A month with no income & all my bills still got paid & my kids fed - now THAT'S how my Jehovah Jireh rolls! *wink*

Sandy said...

Hang in there GF. Both Donnetta and I have read Max Lucado's new book on FEAR. It's really good. I'm sorry I haven't been over here, but will be praying for ya!

XO