I have a stressful week ahead. Sometimes when things get like this, my mind explodes in worry. I worry about finances. I worry about work. But, this week, my stress levels are up for a particular reason.
Its time for my son's cancer scan.
Parents of cancer kids can probably relate. There's absolutely no peace before a scan. There's also a weird phenomenon where I begin to look for any signs the cancer has returned. Typically something completely minor can become a reason for me to believe he's on the verge of a complete relapse. A cough? He's dying. A headache? We need to go to the emergency room.
So, I am doing my best to keep my crazy under control.
I've got a few other stressful events this week. Sometimes when things pile up, one on top of another, you can be sure the devil is setting his snare. I know it won't take much for me to get to the point where I'm convinced I have so many problems I can't think straight.
Today, I cried out to God, telling Him I've got to have some relief from my anxiety. I am tired of losing my peace to all of these events that just keep stacking up on me, over and over. I want peace in the storm. But, I feel like I am just holding on through it. I need to find a way to change my focus.
Jesus has something to say about this:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
My focus can't remain on my problems. For a time, yes, I need to talk to God and understand what He wants me to do. However, once I've taken these things to the Lord, I have to begin to trust Him. I'm learning to set time aside to talk to the Lord and deal with these things.
The pressure I'm feeling is actually God's, not mine. He's promised to take care of me.
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
If God tells us to give our burdens to Him, then our problems are actually His. He will guide us through them, leading us to the best solution. We can bring them directly to Him. He has all of the answers. When we do this, yes, it is possible to be in a place of trust.
It is possible to be in a place of peace. He delivers on His promises if we can just believe Him. We might even experience some joy in this season of our lives. Crazy, but true. This week could be viewed as a week for God to show His power. I could look forward to seeing what He's going to do, and how He's going to show up for me. I can be excited to see the creative ways that God is going to display His love for me. I could be expecting miracles.
Perhaps this is why Paul said to consider it pure joy when you go through trials.
Perspective is a powerful thing. Perspective fueled by trust is life-changing.
We can trust God and His heart.
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