“We can’t control our pain but we can decide whether it will make us bitter or better.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 25, 2023
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
It occurred to me that I have often lived my life waiting for the other shoe to drop. It doesn’t take a session being psychoanalyzed to know this comes from the fact that both my father and my daughter died unexpectedly. When a traumatic death occurs, we face the unfortunate fact that our lives can change instantly. I don’t know your story, but have you felt this way?
Waiting for the other shoe to drop can be challenging because we always sit on the precipice of worry and anxiety. Hardly a totally peaceful existence, is it?
Once we realize the enormity of how an unexpected or traumatic death has affected our lives, it may be at this place where we can begin to find peace, hope, and security once again.
We can’t control our pain, but we can decide whether it will make us bitter or better. We can determine whether it will be a stepping stone or a stumbling block. We should remember that, even in our pain, God is working for our good.
Whenever those “not-so-good” feelings rise within me, I cling to what I know can bring me the peace I crave and long for. The things I can control. After all, who really desires to live in constant anxiety and stress? No one.
So, what can we do? This may be when I put on my favorite worship music. The sounds of praise quell the storm rising up in my chest. I may begin taking a few deep breaths and concentrate on the most peaceful picture I can imagine. The amazing pink sand beaches of Bermuda, and the beautiful colors of each sunrise or sunset. There are a few favorite scriptures I quietly whisper to myself, which is really my heartfelt cry out to God, The Prince of Peace, who I need now more than ever.
Yes, death can come knocking on our door anytime, so unexpected, and our lives can change in an instant. But we don’t have to live with the constant fear of wondering when the next shoe will drop. We can run to the Father and cling to Him as a life preserver during the mightiest storms. I’m not a veteran who has totally overcome this, but I am a child of God who is learning at the feet of her Father.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for calming all of my fears. No matter what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future, ultimately, you are Lord over it all. My trust is in you and I’m grateful for your peace that surpasses all of my understanding.
Application
What can you do to exchange fear for peace? When a worry or fear begins to arise, ask Him to step in and become your Prince of Peace.
Related Reading
Psalm 34:4-5; Psalm 23:4; Matthew 8:25-27; Luke 14:27
Worship Resource
Cody Carnes: Run to the Father
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