I spent this week at the hospital with my husband Dennis who had surgery Tuesday. Yesterday, Thursday, the doctor told him at 6:30 in the morning he could go home if he kept his breakfast down. He did not lose his breakfast, but we waited hour after hour for his release and left at 2:30 in the afternoon. My nerves were in shreds as I drove Dennis home. Then I went to the pharmacy to get his medications.
I am sorry to say that in my stress I did not go to God first, which made me more upset. When I got to the end of me, I cried out to God, “Please help me, Lord. Forgive me and give me your peace, the peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I fell asleep repeating this prayer over and over. I experienced sweet sleep and woke with the peace I desperately prayed for.
What do you do when you get to the end of you? I urge you to go to God. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37). Think of the headwaters of the Jordan River, pictured above. Rushing water comes from high mountain springs and snow melt from Mt. Hermon. Too often in the troublesome moments we lose heart and don’t think to come to our Lord and Savior. James said, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
When stress overwhelms us, we do not need a drink or a smoke or drugs. We need Jesus. He is a faithful Friend, and He can be trusted with whatever troubles us. I know because this morning I feel free and peaceful. I feel loved and comforted. All the worries I had over my husband were resolved. His bleeding has pretty much stopped and he can bathe himself (I was afraid I might hurt him if I did). As I write this post, he is sleeping like a baby.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for readers this morning, that you would give them peace from their stress and worry. Comfort them in their trouble and help them to experience your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 