When there is uncertainty in life, you need the capacity to rest. If not, you become tired, anxious, tense, and may have the tendency to freeze instead of fight or take flight.
In all the confusion that has assaulted us this past year, I awoke to the fact that in uncertainty I freeze. This causes me to be inadequate to walk in my God-given gifts and talents and rest. It waylays me, so I’ve been observing and praying about what causes me to do this.
I think it goes back to eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil instead of choosing to eat from the Tree of Life*. When I choose to look at the “facts” and not turn to the Spirit, I freeze because I’m confused. But, when I pray and read scripture, I gain confidence because that’s where my strength comes from. Then I can rest and enter the tango, knowing He’ll lead me.
In Psalm 18, David sang to His Lord when He rescued him from the hand of Saul.
“You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress,
my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me.
My secret strength and shield around me, You are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on the hillside,
always the champion of my cause.” Ps 18:1-2
These words give me hope I can fight with and fly to in dark and uncertain times. Whether it’s watching a friend or loved one suffer, shut-in when I want to be out, or concerned about people or animals I love and can’t rescue, I need to step back and breathe. He has given me the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to pick up and fight with. I need to put on the helmet of salvation for deliverance. Faith is my shield against the plot of the enemy. Keep my feet shod and ready to share the blessings of peace, so I can rest. And wear the belt of truth for my strength*. Then, I can walk on a firm and safe foundation when uncertain times come knocking at the door of my heart. Writing the blog, Stay the Course, helped me get grounded when upheaval and anxiety threaten my rest.
Thankfully, I made it through this last icy storm of uncertainty. Loved ones traveled, water pipes emptied, and not being able to get to those I care about gave me great concern. I came to rest knowing God sends His angels when I ask Him to protect them. He’s given me the Holy Spirit to show me the way when I’m worried or confused. Jesus paid for all of this for those who believe, but I have to choose to eat from the right Tree to stay at rest.
What Tree are you eating from as you watch the news, hear of loved one’s battles, and deal with your own anxiety and fears in these uncertain times? What steps do you need to fight and take flight to the truth?
*Genesis 2:17
**I paraphrased Ephesians 6 for emphasis.
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