If you read my previous blog, you know that I admitted to my struggle with anxiety. I have also reached out to some dear friends to stand in the gap for me as I walk through this difficult time. I have received so much encouragement from people that I’m not alone. Anxiety has been a nemesis in many lives. As I am crying out to Jesus for help, my friends are also, on my behalf. Some sweet moments and encouragements have come and I wanted to share a few of them. Maybe, just maybe, someone reading this that knows me or is a complete stranger can find some encouragement in the words and songs shared with me.
Lord, I come, I confess… bowing here, I find my rest…without you, I fall apart… You’re the One that guides my heart… Lord I need you… Oh, I need you…Every hour I need you…My one defense… my righteousness… Oh, God, how I need you…Where sin runs deep, your grace is more… where grace is found is where you are…Where you are, Lord, I am FREE… Holiness in Christ in me… Lord I need YOU… Oh, I need YOU… every hour I need YOU… (Lord I Need You – Matt Maher)
Lord, you hear your daughters’ cry and love her so much. Above everything else I pray she will know and FEEL your love for her. You who have up your life to suffer a horrible death that she might experience not just a breakthrough. And might I add she is not responsible to make herself better, but all health rests on your loving shoulders. You know the intricacies of her. You formed her and put her together. It will be you that heals her Lord. I pray she can rest in the timing of that knowledge. That you have everything under control. I am so thankful you know her intimately. I pray healing over her past, present and future. You Lord, are in all and above all. Nothing surprises you. You are fighting for your daughter even now in this dark night of the soul. You are present and fighting for she who is precious to you. May this be short lived. I pray for breakthrough not just for her life, but that your plan for her far surpasses herself. Hold her close. Deal with anything that is hurting your daughter including any shame, the enemy of us all. Let your love flood her even now. may she rise from the ashes secure in your love. Never ever needing to earn a thing from you. Tear down the walls of deception and rebuild the ruins that you desire to rebuild. A knowledge of your deep fatherly love and motherly love that can never be taken away. Bless my friend now with peace that goes past all human understanding… in the darkness you are with her.
You know how when someone we love is sick or hurting or in the hospital and we have that helpless feeling? We stand by their bed and all we can do is pray. We don’t know the outcome, we can’t offer words of advice or encouragement or alter their circumstances. I had a picture today in my head with you laying in a bed, surrounded by all of us…but at the foot of the bed was Jesus…calm, collecting and in control. You were at peace in the midst of the suffering because you knew and saw that the healing you needed was at your side…you only had to wait for his Word to take effect in your life. I guess what I take that to mean, is that I believe God is going to heal you, he is standing with you, and is in control even though you feel so out of control. So continue to embrace His presence and know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Until then, you are not alone…ever.
Amen to all the above…and as she seeks you, I pray your presence and energy and peace is immediately felt. Surround her with angels and defeat the enemy…you are in control, Father, it is not her burden to bare so help her release it to you.
Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go! Joshua 1:9
Lord, we stand together and hold up our sister. Lord be with her, give her that sense of peace that comes only from you. Hold her and provide her strength, bless her and let her sense your presence.
There is hope for you! Here are some of those truths:
“I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. Open your mouth and I will feed you.” Psalm 81:10
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your holy one see decay.” Psalm 16:9-10
“I remember You while I’m lying in bed; I think about You through the night. You are my help, because of Your protection I sing. I stay close to you; you support me with your right hand.” Psalm 63:6-8
“You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day. You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon.” Psalm 91:5-6
There will be moments when you’ve had enough and it’s all too much. When you feel that way…Give up.
You heard me right. Stand and raise your hands as high as you can. Then turn your open palms toward heaven and tell God you’re done. You’re handing it all over to Him. Giving up.
Then ask Him what He wants to give you in return. Take hold of what He offers with both hands and bring it back to your heart.
– Devotional excerpt by Holley Gerth, from her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.
I hope you took the time to read through all of these truths and words of encouragement and healing. I’m thankful for social media so I can refer to them often. The comfort I feel as I’m reminded that I’m not alone, is what is keeping me moving forward. I hope that if you have even doubt for one second that you are loved or cared about; or if you are struggling with anxiety or depression, that you will find one of these treasures to encourage you. May the grace of Jesus fill us all in our hour of weakness. Let it be done… let it be so.
Thoughts and Reflections on Life 