Faith and God’s Nearness

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41: 10 NLT.

So many thoughts ran through my mind as I read this verse. First thought, God already knows that sometimes we are afraid. I know in my perfect world, fear would not be a part of it. But I am still not perfect! So, fear sometimes sneaks in, sometimes comes roaring in! Lately, as my body shows signs of aging, I realize that I have some fear the future. The unknown of how my body and mind could fail me and thus leave me vulnerable and out of control. So many people in assisted living residences or nursing homes never expected to end up there. This is causing me to actively capture my thoughts in this matter. Reminding myself that He is with me. What wonderful encouragement. These fears are definitely NOT His thoughts for me to have or from Him.

Because He is our God, we do not have to let discouragement or fear dominate our thinking. The other day, I experienced quite a very strong spiritual battle. It was hard and strong. The oppression rolled in and I struggled to engage. As I prayed and began to lean into God’s Truth, it seemed to only get stronger. The Star Trek words came to mind “resistance is futile”…but I pressed on. I felt the enemy telling me–you are going to win, and I said, “I am!” Singing, worshiping, declaration of God’s Word were tried. I listened to a teaching on “Taming Your Thoughts” by Max Lucado. Slowly, I began to feel peace return. I ran some errands simply to get my body moving. When I thought about the entry point of this attack, I realized something important. I was trying to carry too many people. I had too many concerns. How about you? I am carrying my friends who are dealing with grief. Others have mentally ill sons. There are anxious ridden teenagers and people with difficult diagnoses. The atmospheric river is causing flooding to so many homes and businesses, and the list goes on. I am not God. I cannot fix any of these things. But He can and wants to. Quietly and surely His voice came. “I am able”.

He is able. He is able to comfort the mourning, bring peace to those who need it no matter what. Somehow, He will help those who have flooded homes to rebuild their lives and work this out for good for everyone who loves Him. I know He is able. He is able to do far more abundantly than we all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20. God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound to every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8. He is able to help us when we are tempted to fear, become anxious, yield to temptation because: For becuase he himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2: 18. Jude 24 reminds us: God is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.

My friends, I needed this reminder. That our God is with us today. Because He is near, I have the grace I need to do what He asks me to do. He has the same for you. If you are like me, and seem to need to learn this lesson over and over, that’s OK. He is a very able and patient teacher. How He loves us. As I live today, in obedience and peace, my tomorrows are in His hands, so are yours. I watch His provision for my friends who are dealing with dementia. I remember His faithfulness to me as I became a caregiver to my husband. His great love and purpose keep going throughout all our lives…even into eternity! I wonder what all that will entail???

Father, I thank you for being near to us, no matter what. I thank you for understanding our fears and concerns, and helping us grow through them. Remind us that you are not only near, but you are near with all your ability! I pray for grace for each person reading this, that they will grow in understanding about Your character and how much you love them, for when we really understand your love, there is no need to fear. In Jesus’ Name, amen.