Woo hoo! I’m blowing out birthday candles this month. But someone has to tell me where they are to avoid burning my nose and eyelashes. My family laughs at this scenario because all, including me, are quite comfortable with my lack of sight.
This month marks 31 years I’ve been in physical darkness. But the view I see with the eyes of my heart is colorful, beautiful and promising.
But I do promise you it wasn’t like that at the beginning. When it first happened, I was a sorry mess of self-pity, anger and fear.
Yet that fear turned to faith when Christ Jesus filled my aching heart with healing hues of reassurance. Holding on to the white cane of faith, I became adjusted to life without vision. I devised lots of ways to cook, clean and navigate through each room in the house.
However, when going out, one of the important tricks I learned in order to avoid running into things is to hold on to the person guiding me. Since I cannot see what’s ahead, this eliminates worry about missing steps or running into objects.
But, wait a minute, in many ways, we’re all like that. We’re all blind to what tomorrow will bring. What obstacles will appear. Or what waits for us at the next turn.
That’s life these days. But sinking in the puddle of uncertainty, we move ahead foolishly guided by our own selves, trusting in our decisions, wisdom and desires. When we do, …slam! We hit the wall of disappointment and heartache. Stunned, we wonder what happened. To the mess, we add worry that it will happen again. And fretting grows, thinking it might get worse than before.
But, good news.
God gives the way out so we can avoid that pitiful cycle. Here are three steps to kick worry to the curb.
- We distance ourselves from what the news says, what the reports indicate or the forecast warns. Instead, we draw close to God, remaining near enough to be under His shadow. Then is when we hear Him speak His promises. He whispers His guidance. He repeats His comfort. And He spells out His protection.
Reassured, we draw close enough for Him to hear the cries of our heart. Show me favor, God, show me favor, for in You I have taken refuge. Yes, I will find refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the storms have passed (Paraphrased from Psalm 91:3).
- When the road has potholes of disappointment and pain, we lose our direction. But when we hold tighter to Him, we declare: I will trust in You, LORD with all my heart; and will not lean unto my own understanding. I will acknowledge You in all my ways and will wait in expectation for you to make my path direct and smooth (Paraphrased from Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Obey His every instruction. When heading to the unknown, be courageous like Joshua. Be bold like David when facing your giants. Be certain like Moses when chased by the army of adversity.
I will be still, calm and trusting because my battles belong to You, Lord (Paraphrased from exodus 14:13).
Let’s Pray: Father, even if the world seems to turn darker, I shall follow the light of Your path and Your instruction not to worry. I will rest in the promises of Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray.
What steps will you take to conquer worry?
Janett Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com