Questions to Ask When You are Anxious About Unknowns

by | Nov 10, 2016 | Morning Meditation

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On the desk in the kitchen, next to the computer and a stack of mail, are two squares of carpet in various shades of tan, samples for deciding which color we’ll walk upon, up three flight of stairs.

In my hands, I hold a cup of Yorkshire Gold with a splash of almond milk swirled in. On the coaster is a glass holding a breakfast kale and blueberry shake. I decided on a scoop of peanut butter plopped in for a change. My son’s bacon and cheese sandwich is on a plate, ready and waiting for him on the counter.

Awakening on November 11, 2016 requires I make decisions that affect me and those in my house. Countless choices in the span of less than an hour are mine to make.

As the sun rises, freedom to choose is the gift God gives to each of us every single day.

How will I choose to live? How will I enjoy God? This is the invitation of friendship He continually extends.

Pondering Psalm 23 as I read it on the screen, I interpret the verses as answers for political unrest. I hear Him asking questions as I meditate on each word and sentence.

Maybe the questions aren’t just for me?

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

What am I wanting that the blood of Jesus isn’t enough?

 

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

Who is leading me? Where am I being led? Is what I am participating in restoring my soul?

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 

Like the Psalmist, let’s turn our attention from God as someone we know about to the God we encounter, from referring to God as He to an intimate relationship with You.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

How am I choosing to comfort anxiety during tenuous times of uncertainty? Am I numbing or healing the pain?

 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Do I believe you can prepare a table for me in the wilderness? Is your abundance greater than my despair?

 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How are my words, influence, and choices illustrating that I believe this is true?

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Let’s be a people characterized as being led by Who we know and not what hear. As individuals that trust solely in Jesus who died a terrible death for our sins.

May we interpret restlessness caused by uncertainty not as a life sentence but as an opportunity to encounter Jesus more intimately. Waiting for Christ to come does some good work within us.

Perhaps the redemption from anxiety caused by the unknowns is that we remember how much we need Him, how little of life we really control.

 

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8 Comments

  1. Celeste

    “How are my words, influence and choices illustrating that I believe this us true.”
    I just spoke similar words to a young friend heading off to India.
    Hey Shelley, so good to hear these words.
    We ourselves are in a position of moving once again.
    This will make it the third time in two years. But not to worry. Your written words were given for my friend and that makes them just as viable for me.
    We are relocating to Ontario this time.
    St. Catharine’s.
    I think that this time, this push has been what we needed. And, things appear to be lining up that way. As one older woman upon hearing our news exclaimed, oh, we need you. Please pray for God’s will.”
    Yesterday, as I sat across from this young girl speaking words of hope and honesty I stopped a moment to say just this, what are these words unless we believe who has spoken them.
    You have spoken them into my life once more.

    • shelly

      Oh my Celeste, you are becoming an expert on transition. Moving again?!! I hear hopefulness and positivity in your words so trusting He is giving you grace and joy for the journey. Lots of love to you!!

  2. Dea

    I made a meme for social media about the ability to choose being my superpower. Choice is what makes us human and divine, divine in the sense of being made in the image of God. Today I am choosing not to go on FB, to not subject myself to the clamor of this age. I choose the quiet waters today. He will lead me and I shall not want. Love you friend. Thank you for this gentle reminder this morning.

    • shelly

      Do you think this ability to rest in our choices and not opinions comes to us with time? (I could say age but I won’t!) I feel less anxious about all the banter because I can choose what I believe based on what I know of God. There is great peace that comes from knowing who is leading us, yes? Love you too!

  3. Elizabeth

    Thanks you so much for this!

    • shelly

      Glad to have your presence here Elizabeth!

  4. Nancy Ruegg

    Indeed: how little of life we really control. Our pastor pointed out a few weeks ago that, much as it may disappoint us, we don’t have to live in a Christian nation in order to thrive as Christians. Throughout the centuries, the church has actually strengthened and grown when under persecution. So even if events spin out of control, we can follow the example of suffering saints in bygone eras and stand tall in our Source of strength, peace, and even joy! (Please remind me of this statement should circumstances require it!)

    • shelly

      Those who have gone before us give me so much hope. It’s why we need to tell our stories to the next generation. Without the testimonies of others to buoy us during hard times, we are bereft and easily swept into despair. Thanks for being here Nancy and I hope this will be a safe place for reminding when needed.

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