Having finally surrendered to the truth that God asked me to leave the life I love in Missouri to start afresh in Florida, I became anxious to do just that. The opportunity to be here near Alberto and his family has been such a blessing. My job has been a blessing as well. So many wonderful people I have had the opportunity to know. The veterans and the physicians I serve here each are so dear to me, as are so many of my coworkers. Yet, God has asked I go to live with my other son. At first, letting go of my things and my life here seemed hard; but, perfect love opens one’s hands and lets go of all the “stuff” we try to cling to, trusting God. Surrendering to His Will, knowing “He leadeth me beside still waters” Psalm 23:2. I am ready to go.
But, then He asked I wait. I waited as I applied for job after job while being rejected. Then, finally I received the call that I was being offered a job; yet, I would need to wait for the letter offering the job. Three weeks passed with no letter and I became anxious. What happened with I trust God, His timing and His plan? I tend to want to run ahead when God says go instead of waiting patiently. Thirsting to do as He asked, I rush ahead pulling His hand instead of letting Him lead me. I run toward the turbulent waters to quench my thirst, instead of letting Him lead me beside the still waters.
FINDING THE STILL WATERS
So, it was, I woke up Thursday and saw another job for which I knew I was qualified. I called my son in Florida, anxiously. “Should I apply for that job while awaiting the confirmation of the other? The deadline to apply was approaching quickly.” Ah, but Ron replied, “Mom, just be still. God’s timing is perfect.” Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God” came into my mind. Ron was right. Yet, God being so gracious to me, and knowing my heart; the letter came that very evening.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah” (Psalm 46:10).
As our Great Shepherd, God leads us beside the still waters. Just like little children, we too often tend to either try to pull our hands loose to walk alone or run ahead. Just like foolish sheep we try to find our own water and become frightened with our own shadow as we look into the turbulent streams. Yet, the Shepherd knows and will lead us to the still waters, if only we surrender to His hand leading us.
SURRENDER BRINGS PEACE
Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” John 4:14. Sitting still, trusting Him to quench every thirst, He provides within us the well of water that will never dry.
Thank God, my anxious moments are few and far between anymore. As I wrote in Abiding, Steadfast Faith, God has taught me that faith is “knowing He IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Yet, I have learned my anxious moments come only when I become complacent about my time with Him. Yes, I get up early every morning to read His word and to pray; but, there are those days when life fills my mind. On those days, my heart is not listening. I am going through the motions; but, that is not what He asks.
He knows me so well. His patience, grace and mercy reach out to calm my soul so that I surrender and let Him lead me at His pace. No longer trying to run ahead or pull back, I trust Him to lead me beside the still waters. He is Jehovah Shalom, my peace.
How to Surrender as “He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters”
When Satan whispers words of fear to your heart, stop. Stand still and ask God to calm your fears, acknowledging to Him your lack of faith at the time. He is the “author and the finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He giveth faith to those who ask for it. Tell Satan to go to hell where he belongs. Quote scripture. Call a family member or friend whom you know will remind you of the truth. Pray and then your heart will surrender.
It is much like the song Lauren Daigle wrote and sings:
Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You’re by my side
When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You[1]
I encourage you to listen to this song when anxiety tries to enter your heart. It can be found on her YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs
Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash, The Inscription I added.