It was waiting for me when I woke up, like a fowler ready to cast its snare. As soon as my eyes opened I felt my heart entangled by the net of fear. I woke thinking about the situations over which I had no control. The "what if's" and "maybes" were like a plague stalking me in the darkness of the early morning. I had to find relief; so I cried out for help and heard, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you."
The problems were real. The situations I was facing were daunting. I felt my weakness as I walked haltingly into the new day. I eased myself down to sit in my chair, but my spirit lifted as I heard the voice of my Heavenly Father say, "Do not be discouraged, for I am your God." And courage came as I opened my heart to think about my God. He is a loving and tender father to whom I can go for comfort. He is a good shepherd, who restores my soul and leads me in the path that I should go. He is almighty, all powerful. the Sovereign Lord of the Universe. And He comes to me when I am overwhelmed by life and whispers gently to my trembling heart, "Do not be discouraged, for I am your God."
I thought about my responsibilities and my inadequacies. I thought about all those I love and how I wanted to protect them and guard them against the pestilence that seems ready to ravage them. When I looked at my own reflection in the mirror my heart sank. But again I heard the voice of my God saying, "I will strengthen you and help you." Once again I was reminded that I am not alone. I am not called on to deal with life in my own strength. I choose today to walk in the truth of His promise that when I call out Him He will answer me. He will be with me in trouble.
Like a young child who seeks the comfort of holding her father's hand when walking on an unfamiliar path, I reach out my hand to my Heavenly Father when I hear Him say, "I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Now the Sun has risen and all the dark shadows have fled. Held by the strong and gentle hand of my Father I know that, though I may stumble, I will not fall. In His presence I have no fear. Because He is my God I have the courage to face my anxiety. Holding His hand I find rest for my soul and strength for the day.
I chose to claim Isaiah 41:10. Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit I hear God's word speaking to my soul, setting my spirit free, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
