I know (that I know that I know) Jesus will speak when I am trusting. Joyfully. With a gentle and quiet spirit. But it is so easy to grow anxious. To grow impatient. Or to grow discontent, even. To want something other. And to, in turn, believe that I cannot be sufficient in Christ alone. That I need that something other. It seems overwhelming that it is so easy to stand on a mountaintop one moment, declaring the glory and majesty and sovereignty of the Lord, and the next moment to fall into a valley of weariness and anxiety - failing to trust in the One whose sovereignty you were just praising. Hands extended in praise ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!") immediately hold your anxious chest as your heart and spirit question where the Almighty is.
"The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Master, Master, we're going to drown!' He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 'Where is your faith?' He asked His disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, 'Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him.' (Luke 8:24-26) - it's a question our anxious hearts must be asked time and time again. "WHO IS THIS?" We must constantly remind ourselves who He is when we are on the mountaintop rejoicing and when we are in the valley despairing (yes, especially then.) We must be intentional of reminding ourselves of what we know of who He is constantly.
Our anxious hearts forget so quickly so we must be intentional. Remember, anxious one - remember! ("Taste and see that the Lord is good!") He is steadfast! Faithful! Able! Gracious! Enough! Merciful! Sovereign! Glorious! Majestic! Strong! Compassionate! Slow to anger! Rich in love! Good! He is holy! Worthy! Deserving of all honor and glory and power forever and ever! Amen! Amen!
Heart, do not be anxious. Do not grow weary of the mountains before you when you are standing in the valley. Everywhere the Lord has sovereignly led you before (EVERY INCH YOU HAVE STEPPED) He will continue to be sovereign and faithful and He will sustain you. Thank Him for the adventure ahead of you and do your best to enjoy the journey. (And remember, an enjoyable (joy-filled) journey is not drenched with anxiety.) It is embarked with trust and a quiet spirit. Let each step of your adventure be filled with praise. ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!").
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things...and the peace of God will be with you." (Philippians 4:6-9)
