Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
I felt shaky. My heart was racing. My mind was spiraling in a blend of out-of-control and helplessness. Panic and anxiety were once again fighting me. The battle for my life was back.
I’ve been transparent before. Even though I’ve come a long way in my healing journey, it’s still a journey. Some days it’s a battle. I must decide each day, just how I will respond.
Receiving unfortunate news out of the blue when you aren’t entirely prepared, is not ideal. None of us enjoy it. It’s far from comfortable. Our thoughts on how things should go are often derailed.
In a particular circumstance, I found myself in, instead of going to God in prayer, I let myself continue to spiral. Not only did I encounter more physical symptoms, but I couldn’t adequately think or process any information. I felt out of control and very helpless.
God orchestrated everything for me, and His timing was perfect. I got to meet with my counselor at just the right time. A previously scheduled appointment that God knew would arrive at the right time. After talking through my situation and helping me ground myself as much as possible, my counselor reminded me of the true source of calm in any storm.
Time spent in prayer.
Being still before God.
Trusting that God would give me the strength I needed for today.
It’s hard to be still when we want answers or explanations. For some of us, a test of faith brings more challenges leaving us unsure of which way to turn. In my moment of anxiety, my counselor stopped and prayed.
She prayed for me, y’all. Out loud. And instantly, I was reminded that God can and will give me strength for this one moment. And that is all we need. Strength to handle the moment right now. Not tomorrow, not next week.
I heard my cousin speak recently about a well-known hymn that most of us know and love so dearly. Look at the lyrics below. My cousin reminded me of the words and God’s presence in our lives. It was a moment my unsettled heart needed to hear.
“Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth. Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.”
God provides just what we need when we need it. The strength that we need today. In turn, we are blessed with hope for tomorrow. It does not matter what our circumstances or situation. Nothing is too big for God. May we always be reminded to place our trust in the only One who can give us true peace.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
