A Plague of the What Ifs
“Replace the darkened pathway with your light, the foggy future with your peace, and our longing for security with your confidence.”
I’ve written about the what ifs before. They’re nasty little beasts. Once they attach themselves to you, they are difficult to remove. Our house seems to have been attacked by a swarm of them this week. Mine tend to hover around thoughts of health, whereas my husband’s tend to be attracted to financial concerns.
How about you? Has this week brought a plague of what ifs into your life?
If you’re nodding your head, I invite you to meet me in this moment. Right here in this moment, you are seen. Right here in this moment, you are loved. Right here in this moment, you are covered.
It’s true; we can’t know what tomorrow will bring. But we can know the one who is ever-present — the one who hems us in behind and before (Psalm 139:5). He offers us light in the darkness, peace in the midst of chaos, and hope in place of despair.
Don’t let those what ifs distract you from what God is doing in this moment. I’ve spent a lot of time swatting at the what ifs, only to realize I was wasting my time. When we plant our feet firmly in this moment, and fix our eyes on the one who is love, the what ifs no longer have a place to land. We find that He has covered us with his love, which is the best what if repellent in existence.
What about those loathsome what ifs that have already landed? Or the ones that sneak through in the future? Don’t be afraid to call them out in the presence of God. Release those little beasts into the light, and ask your heavenly Father what He has to say about it. You’ll be glad you did.
There’s no shame in admitting when you are struggling. Pound your fists, scream, cry. Be honest; it’s okay. But go easy on yourself. God isn’t judging you for not having it all together. He just wants access to our hearts, to those places where we hide the fear and pain. Opening up is how we position ourselves to receive His comfort.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Friends, I’ve struggled this week to stay in the present. I’ve struggled to keep my eyes off the what ifs. Simple practices of drawing and journaling, worshiping and soaking* have been helpful; but mostly I’m trying to keep my heart open to whatever He has for me in this moment. The more we allow Him access to our hearts, the more we are able to trust in His absolute goodness. He is for us, not against us! And He has all the comfort we need, if we’ll only ask.
* Soaking — For those unfamiliar with the spiritual practice of soaking, it involves receiving from the Lord while in a place of rest, letting his presence “soak” you. This can be done with meditative music while lying down with a pillow and blanket or simply while sitting comfortably in a chair. It is a beautiful way to quiet the mind and rest in God’s love. I highly recommend the music of Julie True, but any reflective music can be used.
SUBSCRIBE to THE SPACIOUS PLACE
