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My precious two-year-old niece Ofelia, is a delight! Her curly blond locks and chubby cheeks remind me of paintings of cherubs. She is smart, kind, and loving. Sometimes she comes up to family members and announces, “nice hug,” which informs us that she is coming in for a big, long hug. She is a joy to be around.
I noticed in her last couple of visits that she really wants to approach our dog, Mollie. Mollie is a medium-sized doodle who looks like a teddy bear, and if she could control her excitement around Ofelia, they would have been great friends by now. During the last visit, I overheard Ofelia telling herself, “it’s okay,” as she walked by Mollie. She was attempting to convince herself that she could do it. It was precious. She still hasn’t approached Mollie, but she is getting closer.
It got me to thinking about the words I say to myself, or to God, when I find myself afraid or concerned about the difficulties in our world. I often catch myself telling God that I don’t understand and asking Him to remind me that He is still sovereign and that He hasn’t forgotten us. I ask Him to help me trust him when I don’t understand and to grant me peace as I walk through scary times.
It occurred to me as watched Ofelia that perhaps God sees me that way. I know He loves me tenderly, and He is not distant or uncaring about the things that weigh heavy on my heart or yours.
Sometimes we just need reassurance. Sometimes we must intentionally quiet our anxious thoughts in order to be able to hear His still, small voice. That’s where peace is found.
Let’s pay attention to our responses when we find ourselves nervous or concerned. Do we allow ourselves to dwell on the worst-case scenarios, or do we seek our comfort and peace from the God who loves us tenderly and is closer than our very breath?
I’m reminded of a saying that a local ministry I’ve served with shared: “The battle is real, but so is our God.”
Here are some Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak”
Psalm 46:5 — “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day”
Psalm 18:32-33 — “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places”
Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes”
Exodus 14:14 — “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”
Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”
Back to my niece, Ofelia’s “nice hugs.” Have you ever pictured yourself being held and comforted by the God who loves you more than you can imagine?
There is no safer place to be, even in the midst of the most terrible storms. Scripture describes the intimate relationship and peace that we are invited into as we trust God. Not because everything will be rainbows and butterflies, but because He will be with us, and if we allow Him, He will carry us through.
What scriptures have you hidden in your heart, or do you plan to hide in your heart, so that you can recall during hard times? In this season, I will cling to the passage in John 16:33, where Jesus tells his disciples: “I have told you things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Claudia Guardado Wittel
Director of Philanthropy & Advancement, STAR 99.1 | Listen Now
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Thank you for this comforting post.
The past few years I have been struggling financially & different situations have come up, especially with my car, that have added to my financial struggles. It’s been tough–and it continues to he, even though I am working more hours & earning more money & I have some hope for getting help–but the LORD has continued to come through for me, especially through friends, especially friends in my Secular Franciscan fraternity.
If I could summarize my life in one Scripture verse it would be from PSALM 34: “MANY ARE THE TROUBLES OF THE JUST, BUT OUT OF THEM ALL THE LORD DELIVERS THEM.”
Hello Arlene! Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story and that powerful scripture. I will be praying that the LORD shows up strong on your behalf as you trust Him. I love that many times He answers prayers through our brothers and sisters. What a blessing.
AMEN
May the ALMIGHTY God bring you into out your financial struggle totally
As you continue yo entrust in him