God Sees What You Are Going Through
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV)
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed.”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “if it’s not one thing it’s another”
Life feels like that at times, pure chaos!
And on top of, the world feeling like everything is crashing all around us, what and who we would normally anchor ourselves on or hold onto amid the chaos seems to be fleeting and evasive.
Our family, our jobs, our prayer partners, our church activities, none of the “activities” we are accustomed to holding onto seems to anchor us.
Like a busy intersection, no matter where we turn there’s oncoming traffic, lots of noise, and the occasional jaywalker, also known, as the “enemy”. Crossing lines and boundaries he has no authority to evade. Get thee behind me, Satan! - It’s always a good time to throw in a good-ole Mother of Church saying - :-)
It’s not only a physical reality, but it also feels like a mental invasion.
Thoughts in overdrive
Emotions needing a tune up
Anxiety driving the “big blue bus” right onto oncoming traffic. Better yet, Atlanta, GA traffic.
Which traffic is worst in your opinion, Atlanta, GA or Washington, DC - here goes that ADHD again! lol
Focus FOCUS…Our minds can feel like a toddler running around a new toy store. Attention is everywhere and nowhere all at ones.
Life’s chaos physically feels like a busy intersection with multiple crashes - hit after hit, and mentally feels like an overwhelmed toddler having a crying, meltdown fit in the middle of the store (And why don’t 2 year-olds just take a nap when they’re tired GEESH! – that’s another topic for another day!)
And just like a loving parent reaches for their child’s hand in those moments, not to control them, but to calm and protect them, God reaches for us.
“Fear not… I am with you.” - Isaiah 41:10
God is not saying to ignore your feelings or emotions, but to trust Him with them! Place our cares in His hands.
When we place our trust in the righteous right hand of God, fear, anxiety, and worry lose their grip. God’s hand not only offers power, authority, and safety but also brings love, comfort, and peace.
Though it’s not explicitly stated in scripture or scientific studies that “you cannot worry and praise God at the same time,” research supports the idea. Gratitude and anxiety are largely incompatible mental states. Actively focusing on praise, an expression of gratitude, shifts our minds away from worry, reducing its presence and strengthening our faith.
So, when fear and worry creep into your thoughts today, imagine yourself holding God’s hand.
Praise Him for who He is and all He’s done. Remember, gratitude sets you up for future blessings and confuses the enemy. While the enemy tries to sow confusion and despair, you are praising your Father, trusting Him for a breakthrough.
And just as a loving parent gently pulls their child back when they stray into a busy intersection - a space filled with chaos and danger - God redirects us when we run too fast or get off track. Let Him guide you today. He’s got you…safe, anchored, steady, and secure.
Prayer:
Father God,
When times are chaotic and life seems like a busy intersection in Atlanta (ATL won yall) :-), thank you for pulling into the safety of your arms.
Thank you for reminding me that you are all the protection I need and that this too shall pass.
You know the plans you have for me, ““plans to prosper [me] and not to harm [me], plans to give [me] hope and a future.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
