I can worry with my eyes closed. In fact, I’ve done some of my best fretting in my sleep. Even when I’m alert, worry drones on beneath the surface looking for an opening to pop through.
My worries appear reasonable. Physical facts support them. But—and this is a big “but”—they leave out God.
When I experienced some health issues that included fatigue and brain fog, assorted fears taunted me. My weakness frightened me. I realized that when I feel strong I believe that with God I can handle anything. But when my ump evaporated so did my confidence.
I reexamined my premise: with God I can handle anything. I had to ask myself if I believed God could cover everything when I was unable to help.
Was my confidence in Him or in me? Physical, mental, emotional, and financial proficiency bring the illusion of security. Lack of these bring a terrible awareness of vulnerability. @DebbieWWilson Click To TweetDon’t strong animals dine on the weak and wounded, and ruthless people exploit the poor and aged?
But God
God gently interrupted my fretting in an unusual way. The Bible Gateway app I’d set on continuous play got stuck on Deuteronomy 33. Even after I moved it forward, it continued to return to this passage. Since I tend to listen when I’m doing other things, I couldn’t always readjust it. I decided God had something He wanted me to hear.
Verse 12 repeatedly stood out.
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (NIV).
One morning, while listening to praise music, that verse opened up for me. I pictured my Shepherd lifting me onto His shoulders, as a shepherd would a lamb, and carrying not only me but also all the cares I’d picked up.
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him…between his shoulders.”
God offered security. Would I let go and rest in Him? That morning I decided to “rest secure in Him.” Relief washed over me.
What cares has the world laid on your shoulders? Will you let yourself rest secure in Him?
What cares has the world laid on your shoulders? Will you let yourself rest secure in God? #RechargeWednesday Click To TweetJesus offers rest to His children. We choose whether or not we’ll receive it.
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Debbie,
What a beautiful and comforting image of being lifted onto the safe shoulders of the Lord. He carries us high up so the dangers below can’t hurt us. So true that worrying leaves God out of the equation. Even if what we worry about comes to pass, He promises that His grace will be sufficient.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I find great comfort in picturing Him carrying me and my burdens. How much more fun to relax and enjoy the ride! God bless you!
Debbie, I love finding your words here–and I am also an expert worrier, so I am grateful for your example of trusting the Shepherd.
Thank you, Michele. I understand the Lord’s words to His disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” I also need reminders to trust Him.
I LOVE that visual of resting between God’s shoulders. laurensparks.net
Me too, Lauren!
Debbie, this is so beautiful and powerful. I love how God got your attention with Deuteronomy 33 stuck on replay. What a great word for us all from God’s Word. Now, I’m also imagining God carrying me on His strong shoulders and everything I’ve picked up to try to carry myself. Thank you!
Karen, isn’t it beautiful that He knows just how to speak to us. Blessings to you!
Thank you for this very encouraging post. Worry is one of those things we have to fight; seems a constant battle at times. Through your words I am encouraged to rest in God’s more than capable strength and ability to take care of what I can’t… Thus leaving no reason for me to worry or fear! God bless you!
Thank you, Juanita. Blessings to you too.
Oh, this makes me smile because I SO relate: “I can worry with my eyes closed. In fact, I’ve done some of my best fretting in my sleep.” ha.
I love the imagery of resting between God’s shoulders. Thanks for this today, Debbie! Always needed.
Lisa, it’s nice to know I’m not alone in this. 🙂 Blessing, my friend.
Debbie, I need that verse from Deuteronomy to be laminated and hung up by my desk. I am a natural-born worrier. I think I have it under control, and then they pop up again. It’s good to know there are others who are fighting the same fight as me!
Laurie, we could start a sisterhood! I have commited that verse to memory. It meant so much to me.
I loved this post: so comforting! Blessings, Glenys
Thank you, Glenys.
Debbie,
I love the way God continued to remind you of the source of your security. He is faithful! This is a verse that speaks to my heart, as well. Thank you for sharing from your own heart and experience.
Blessings,
Tammy
Me too, Tammy. He is the good Shepherd.