Steps to Calm a Fearful Heart–Praise the Lord, Oh My Soul

When it would appear that we have more questions than answers; what are we to do?  When we are yearning to know God’s plan and the next step is yet unclear what actions must we take?

So often in my own life I have had more questions than answers.  Frequently that is when fears and doubts begin to creep in.  You wonder whether you heard God correctly (a subject we will address more fully tomorrow).  So, for the moment let’s say; we had like Abraham followed God’s command and then the famine came.  Do we then doubt and worry?  Do we run off to Egypt?  Or what do we do?  I, daresay, David gives us the answer in Psalm 146.

Psalm 146 “Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.2 While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being…5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:9 The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.10 The Lord shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.”

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photo courtesy of @istockphoto

Even when you have followed God’s command you may find yourself in a desert land for a time. So, when you find yourself in that desert land; then, you should follow these steps.

1.  Praise the Lord.  If at first you must even command your soul to praise, Praise Him anyway.

2. Remember in whom you have your hope—the creator of all the Universe who is omnipotent, sovereign, and who loves you with an everlasting love.

3. Write down a list of all that He has promised to do.  David’s list included judgment for the oppressed, food for the hungry, freedom for those imprisoned, sight for the blind, comfort for the fatherless and the widow.

4. Write down a list of all that He has done in the past in your own life.

5. Remember that He is on His throne and will reign forever.

If you follow these 5 steps, I can assure you that you will find yourself free of worry and despair.  You will find yourself calmly awaiting God’s plan, alert to hearing His voice speak, ready to do whatever He asks, and full of a quiet peace-filled joy.   

You can begin by singing along with

Bless the Lord oh my soul with Irish Tin Whistle

 

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”