Jan 01 2009
Anxiety: joy murderer
I woke up anxious. A paralyzing, gnawing, bewildering knot in my stomach scattered any thoughts of going back to sleep.
Flat on my back, I wimpered, “It’s 2009, Oh God, there are a lot of hurdles to be faced in the months ahead. I don’t think I have what it takes…”
Throughout the day, I pushed my anxiety aside through vigorous work and exercise. But the questions still loomed-“What’s in store ahead? Success? Failure? I don’t know what I’m doing!”
It wasn’t till this evening, when I encountered the truth of the scriptures that my spirit bounded up once more.
Christ is the Great Shepherd, (Heb 13:20) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). I think Randy Alcorn had it right when he wrote:
“No other illustration so vividly portrays His tender care and guiding hand.”
The rest I sought emerged at last as I meditated on the guiding, loving hand of our God. He does not leave us to wander alone through 2009, He is not surprised by the future; He is our “guiding hand” and our strong support.
2009, here we come. I’m ready now.
________
Sources: “Shepherd Status”, Randy Alcorn in Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus
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AMEN!!!! You are absolutely right! Thank you for reminding the rest of us!!!
Happy New Year! 
Christa-this is a really good insight you have here! It always puts things back in perspective for me when I remember that God isn’t surprised by the circumstances of my life, and He knows exactly what He is doing. You might find it helpful sometime to read through and meditate on Isaiah 40:10-31. The prophet writes in verse 12, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales?” I don’t know about you, but in my own life, when I get overwhelmed by circumstances and things to come it is usually because I am focused on how big my problems are, and not how big my God is.
Steve, thank you for your comment, your words bring life and refreshment. Indubitably, when we meditate on God’s greatness, our problems shrink to their appropriate size.
I tried to comment yesterday but my internet wouldn’t let it happen.
One of my favorite verses that comforts me when I am feeling scared of the future (and I’ve got reason to be this year, there’s a major life transition coming up) is Jeremiah 29:11… “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future with hope.” It always reminds me that God is working in my life. “All things work together for the good,” as Paul said.
Thanks Christa….this is really encouraging. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a happy new year as well.