I was born into a family of worriers, primarily on my mother’s side. As a child, I often stayed overnight at my aunt’s and realized that she never went to bed before 3 or 4am. When I asked her about this, she explained that she was always afraid that she would die during the night and no one would be awake to be with her. My mother appeared to be less anxious than my aunt and was happier, overall. She often said, though, that if she didn’t have something to worry about, she would worry, because she was afraid she was missing something important. Neither my aunt nor my mother ever sought counseling or medication to help reduce their anxieties. For them, it was a normal part of life.
In her later years, my mother was faced with life threatening illnesses and had to have surgeries. I was quite surprised at how calm she remained throughout those difficult times. My mother said that she felt God’s presence the entire time and on her way to surgery, she felt that He was walking beside her the entire time, holding her right hand. I try to use her example when I go through difficult times. I try to place my focus on God and not the problem.
God never promised that we wouldn’t have difficult times, but that as we walk through them (not get stuck in them), He is always at our side.
God, please help me to keep my focus
on You, rather than on my circumstances.
Help me remember that
I do not have to feel afraid or anxious,
because You are always with me.
You are in control.
Amen.
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