Psalm 94:11-13,17-19 AMPC
The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile-only a breath). [12] Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, [13] That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked. [17] Unless the Lord had been my help, I would soon have dwelt in [the land where there is] silence. [18] When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up. [19] In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!
If you're anything like me, you struggle with anxious thoughts.
These scrape at me like some ill-disciplined dog, endlessly scratching for attention! Or, like the persistent gnawing of a toothache, draining me of joy and faith.
Not a soul on this planet is exempt - we ALL struggle with anxiety in one form or another.
This lovely Psalm reminds me that, right in the midst of my troubling thoughts, the Lord comes to interrupt with His comforting Presence.
For the panic stricken He dispenses power to "keep calm" in days of adversity.
Right now, it's a timely reminder, when so many crises rear their ugly heads!
I'm drawing on a "long ago" memory of taking my 'O' levels. Yes, back in the mists of time!
There had been dramatic, sleepless nights due to parental illness.
Going to school, I felt totally inadequate to the task, tired, worried and "foggy-brained"!
Yet, waiting outside the exam hall, a great sense of calm came over me.
It wasn't from my own strength, but the Holy Spirit poured that into me (as the Psalm promises).
Miraculously, my heart was peaceful and my mind cleared as I took the exams.
The consolation from the Lord Jesus is a real and tangible force:
John 16:33 AMPC
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Jesus, what You promise, You deliver. Thank You that You cheer me up and give me Your Peace in every situation.
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