As I sit in front of the screen and keyboard this morning, rain is falling along with some lightening and thunder, and I cannot help but think about my mom and her fear of thunderstorms.
Let me explain, Mom grew up in war time England, beginning in 1940 through the end of World War II, she would hear planes overhead, the weapons falling and the explosions, as she explained, all around her and her family. So, the crashing of a midwest thunderstorm would always put her on edge creating both anxiety and fear.
If we are honest with ourselves, worry, fear, anxiety or what ever the name you put on it is a part of each of our lives. It could be a fear of storms as mom experienced. We could be worried about the new school year, a new job or new experience. We could be anxious about the future of our relationships, the results of medical testing or our future. The thing is concerns are a part of our lives and that is ok.
David tells us as much in Psalm 56:3 which reads, “whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you”
Did you read that, David, the one whom God called and who was anointed to lead a nation? The David who faced and defeated a giant, said, “whenever I’m afraid”. He not only understood but experienced fear in his life, but he knew the faithfulness of God. David knew that even when he walked through difficult times, when he traveled through dark valleys he could trust God, because God was always present.
We can experience the same level of comfort and trust that David shares in this statement through the promise Jesus offered before ascending into heaven. Jesus promised to send a comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, to be with us through all experiences and situations.
Our trust can be built up by acknowledging that presence whenever we are afraid, with what a friend calls sentence prayers. Thinks like, “Thank you Lord for being with me right now.”, or “Thank you God that your Holy Spirit is right here next to me.” or one of my favorites “Thank you Father, for the way the Holy Spirit is fighting for me right now.”
As we begin to acknowledge the presence of God in our lives, in the difficulties, in the dark valleys our trust grows and in that we can find comfort. So today, as you feel your anxiety level inching up, fears beginning to get to you or your mind cannot stop worrying about the future, acknowledge God’s presence. Whenever you are afraid place your trust in God.
Prayer, “Almighty God, thank you for Your presence here with me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit and the ways You are moving in my life. Help me find comfort in knowing you are always near me. Hold me firmly and guide me gently in your will and in your ways. Amen