The Whispers of God

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, ESV)

I opened an envelope yesterday. Its contents caused my heart to beat a fearful rhythm and my mind to pound with confusion and anguish. Frustration and anger rose with each word, but as I set the letter down it seemed to drain my every drop of strength. I thought about sleeping…so tired…so very tired. My frustration turned to hopelessness while my anger changed to fear. Fear. I’ve never thought of myself as a fearful person. But if I am trusting in myself to see me through—what else could I expect but fear.

This morning I woke to these two Scriptures—the one above and the one below. The Lord is comforting and encouraging me to have His strength and His courage. I don’t want to just be absent of fear, or anger, or frustration or whatever…I want to be full of courage and strength.

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalm 3:3-6, NKJV)

Today—I still have that horrible letter I’ve got to deal with…and it may not go away too easily, but—I’m actually excited to see how God will use it for His glory…and I am clinging to Him and His strength…and His shield, too. I’m so thankful for the Scriptures— because tomorrow I will most likely need to be reminded all over again—He is our Strength….He is our Courage….and He is our Shield and the One who lifts our head.

Lord, Help me to trust in You in all things…be my Shield, my Strength, and my Courage…and my Joy, too.