It's been a tough and hectic week. So this morning 's devotions and daily Bible reading came together so perfectly. I love it how God intertwines Scripture, revealing some new insight that brings us into fuller understanding!
From my daily Bible reading, this passage leaped off of the page for me:
"Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Hope in God, for I will still praise Him,
my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5 (HCSB)
This whole school year has been a mixed bag - challenging, rewarding, trying, and full of problems. At times, my Spirit has been negatively affected by the trials and problems. This passage is a reminder that the antidote to inner struggles is placing our hope in HIM! Our worshipping and praising Him when we are filled with turmoil or depressing thoughts does two things. First, by chosing to praise God when we are struggling with inner turmoil places our focus where it rightly belongs - on God! Chosing to praise God shifts our focus from 'me to He'! Second, chosing to praise God in times of inner turmoil gives us a spiritual attitude adjustment! Whenever we are faced with troubles that leave us feeling depressed or cause us to struggle internally, we can remind ourselves of the HOPE we have in GOD by CHOOSING to praise Him ANYWAY!
But wait, there's more! In my morning e-couragement from Christianity Today, I received this passage:
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms." Psalm 68:19
What a beautiful follow up to Psalm 42:5! As I woke up this morning with another migraine, not knowing if I could make it to school or not, struggling with inner turmoil over these depressing health issues, God reminded me that I was trying to do to much under my own strength. Here, He gently reminds me that it is HE who CARRIES me in HIS nail scarred ARMS! When I was a little girl, whenever I became too tired to walk under my own strength, I would ask my Daddy to carry me. All I had to say was, "Daddy, carry me!" He'd scoop me up in his strong arms. I felt so safe and secure in his arms. This passage reminded me that my Heavenly Daddy carries me ALL DAY LONG each and EVERY DAY ... no matter what I feel like inside or out, whether I ask Him to or not. He carries me whether I'm struggling with inner turmoil, depression, health issues OR NOT! I am safe and secure in His strong arms. There is no need for me to struggle. I now realize that my tiredness isn't from carrying myself under my own strength - my tiredness is caused by my struggling against the ARMS of my FATHER who is carrying me!
So, today, I'm going to allow my Heavenly Daddy to carry me! I am giving up my struggle to break free of His strong and capable arms. So, in the words of one tired little girl, "Daddy, carry me!"
Allow Him to carry you each and every day! Grace and peace!
In His Love, Cathy
4 comments:
Cathy,
These words are exactly what I needed today. God's timing is always perfect. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.
Blessings,
Karen Smith
Karen,
Thank you, Karen. Your words touched my heart! I'm so thankful that God used this to bring you encouragement just when you needed it- His timing is so very perfect! Praise the Lord! Karen, you are a blessing and inspiration of faith to everyone who knows you! You are a special lady! Love you so much, friend!
In His Love, Cathy
We can all get caught up in the stresses of life and the feelings of dispair. God is faithful if we just go to Him and say "Daddy carry me"! I love being a princess of The King! Thank you for sharing your heart, it is a blessing to your readers. Love you, sister!
Love you too, sweet sister!
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