Through Troubled Times

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43: 3

Spiritually, it has been a tough week. We all have them. Hopefully we work our way through by confiding in friends, praying, meditation, and then taking action to remove the obstacle causing our discomfort. 

I tend to over analyze situations. I have this innate desire to take control, fix it, understand it, and then get rid of the problem. That’s just who I am. When I can’t resolve it, I get frustrated. I know that is how many of us feel when faced with challenges. An inability to make it better evokes feelings of helpless, aggravation, then we tend to isolate or lash out.

I also want answers. There are many times when I find myself in a spiritual conflict, and I don’t always get the answers immediately or sometimes not at all. This is when I am the weakest, and I step back. 

This morning, I was silently praying for answers concerning my fear and anger. I thought I had overcome a hurdle that I dealt with years ago. Recently, it reared its ugliness again and I did nothing to prevent what was coming. I had my blinders on and chose to ignore it. I should have been praying as soon as I felt its presence, but I didn’t. It got my attention and I failed to take immediate action.

The enemy tries to sneak in and surprise us with lies; kicking us when we are down. I’m learning important lessons by immersing myself in the truth of God’s Word. When I find myself believing the lies of the enemy, I need to quickly run to God. We will always find encouragement, joy, and peace in His never-changing Truth. I can disconnect that deceptive, threatening voice by staying in His Presence and clinging to His word. I know not to let my guard down, and not to allow anger or fear to take over. 

God always draws us near and protects us by giving us His Peace and Joy—when we ask!

Father, You are always standing guard, walking beside me and holding me. Yet, I attempt to foolishly take on the enemy myself. Your hand is always within my reach. I believe that with Your patience and love, You will always intercede for me. I am grateful for Your promise to carry me back into Your light and out of the fear found in my own darkness. AMEN.