There are T-shirts sold at a little shop in Lion's Head with the caption: " If you don't like the weather in Lion's Head wait 5 minutes". Today is fair. At least for the current 5 minutes. This summer has been something else! Fair skies can change to fog and showers in the time it takes to put out the patio cushions. So, we are trying to seize the fair moments as they arrive. On the bright side, the vegetation has never looked better!Today, there is a mist of anxiety creeping over me - again. A hospital bed assembled in our living room is a stark reminder of things to come. As my Father used to say "The great big saw draws nearer and nearer." Tomorrow morning that saw is set to connect with both of my knees and quite frankly, I'm terrified. Okay, maybe terrified is a bit of an overstatement but I can't deny owning a respectful understanding of all that awaits me. Sometimes being a nurse is not helpful!
Will it be successful?
Will I be able to manage the pain?
Have I bitten off more than I can chew?
And it takes nothing for a tsunami of "What if's" to assault me mind, body and soul.
But who controls the Tsunami's? Who brings the rain and clears the skies? And, probably most important: Is the One who gave His life for me faithful to walk with Me, with US, as we go through the inevitable storms of life?
Isaiah 43:1-3 is is a great place to anchor during these storms.
"...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by
name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and
through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire
you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD
your God, the Holy One of Israel your Saviour. "
Isaiah 41:10 jolts me to put my money where my mouth is.
"Fear thou not for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am
thy God. I will strengthen thee. Yea, I will help thee. Yea I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness"
His right hand. The hand of
power. In other words, He's got this!
For me and for those
brothers and sisters who are the redeemed, (bought back), of the Lord, this is a refresher
course and a call to apply what we should already know. For those who are attempting to traverse troubled waters on their
own steam, those who do not know the Holy One of Israel as their Saviour,
the outlook must be bleak. In those solitary moments, when fears are most
likely to overwhelm, there is no One to lean into. All the props we tend to use evaporate in the dark, as elusive as the thoughts that torment.
He is there waiting for us. Longing for us to climb up on to His lap to receive comfort, strength and courage. He is, as the song proclaims "My Lighthouse". Is He yours?
He is there waiting for us. Longing for us to climb up on to His lap to receive comfort, strength and courage. He is, as the song proclaims "My Lighthouse". Is He yours?
