From Dark to Light

A dark cloud loomed over my bed this morning as I awoke thinking about a friend's health problem. Nothing I could do about it. Then I realized I had started my day with negative thoughts. I know what to do. Go to God.

"Dear Jesus, please help my friend. Touch her today with your healing hand. Let her know you're there, and how much you love her. Guide her in Your plan."

My heart felt lighter for a few seconds, then another friend's relationship feud came to mind. My chest tightened as I imagined the possible outcome of her circumstances. Take it to God right now.

"Dear God, you are the God of justice and mercy. Please comfort my friend. Give her peace in her chaos. Please work this situation to good for all concerned. In Jesus' name, amen."

Before I had the chance to resume a normal breathing pattern, another friend with multiple woes took center stage.

"They try so hard, God, but keep getting bombarded with one thing after another. Please help them, and let me know if there's something I can do."

"Give her a call this evening."

"I will."

All morning, problem after problem kept entering my mind. Each time, instead of dwelling on it, I deflected the situation up to God. As I did, I felt the clouds lift. My powerful God would be there for them. With Jesus' help hope shined through.

What started out as depressing thoughts turned into a morning of prayer and fellowship with my Savior. My friends had asked me to pray for them. I felt good about remembering to actually do it. God turned my negative thoughts into positive ones. Doing this did brighten my day.

 

Hot or Cold

Do you remember the childhood game of "hot or cold"? As one person walks toward the unknown chosen object, the caller cheers her on, yelling, "You're getting hot." When she moves away from the object, the caller warns, "You're getting cold."

God has been playing this same game with me. When I'm at church, I notice I feel better. The worship music helps me drop my week's load and connect with God. The sermon ministers to my personal needs (how does the Pastor do that?). I leave feeling all warm and fuzzy, refreshed and strengthened.

Then as the week progresses, I get caught up in doing my own thing and become "cold." Stress and anxiety creep in. As soon as a problem pops up, anger and fear take over. Worry punches in for her 3am night shift. What happened to that Sunday glow?

I pull out my Bible and resolve to keep a daily quiet time. As I read and listen, God speaks directly to my heart and circumstances. A blanket of sanity and security envelopes me. I slip in my worship CD and spend quality time praying and communing with my Savior. God's power revitalizes my spirit. Now I'm all fired up, and ready to go.

I attack my "to do" list with renewed vigor. At first the tasks seem easy enough. But as I progress, I notice there are more jobs than hours. I dig in, speed up (this includes driving), answer the phone, juggle priorities, apologize, and stress. How did I get here again?

Now it's Wednesday evening. If I hurry and avoid interruptions, I have just enough time to make dinner before mid-week Bible study. Fortunately, Bob is a fast eater. We scarf down our dinner in five minutes then hurry out the door.

I enter the study group a little shaky, but soon my attention shifts from myself to the lesson. As we learn together, God's word builds me up. Through our discussion, my friends encourage me. It's no coincidence the experiences they talk about relate directly to me. God is so good. Strolling to the car I notice my step is much lighter. The chill of the night draws a contrast to the warmth radiating from my heart.

Although it took me years to realize the meaning of this game, I finally got it. The more I forget God and do my own thing, the more susceptible I am to stress, anxiety, worry and depression. The more time I spend with God at church, in Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with other Christians, the more peace and strength I have.

So I've made a conscious decision to keep stepping closer and closer to Jesus. I'm drinking the whole glass of God's provision by progressively including Him in every aspect of my life. I've learned the closer I get to God, the better I feel. This is one game I'm determined to win.