A few weeks ago, a close friend of mine went through one of those moments where you feel like the wind has been knocked right out of you. She went for a routine test and received an unexpected call from her doctor. They found something suspicious on her x-ray that needed further testing and investigation. When I heard, I immediately went straight to the Lord in prayer. I interceded for my friend, claiming the Word of God over her life, believing that this “finding” would be benign. But more than that, I found myself praying specifically for God’s presence and peace to fall over her during the moments of uncertainty. I wanted her to feel God during this trial.
I know first hand how hard those moments can be. “What if” thoughts flood your mind and try and invade your peace. But, something miraculous happens to you when God’s presence fills you. Fear disappears. Doubt vanishes. And, peace floods in.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
– Psalm 23:4
When I was a little girl, I would sometimes have a bad dream or a fear-filled thought at night. I would try to fight the thought, reason with it, and make it go away, but somehow the fear wouldn’t leave. In fact, the more I tried to fight it by myself, the more it intensified.
Defeated, I would jump out of bed and quickly hurry down the hall into my parent’s bedroom searching for my father. Now, my mother was great for all other situations, but for some reason, this was a job only for my dad. The scared look on my face let him know immediately what was going on, and he would follow me back into my bedroom and sit next to me until I fell asleep.
The funny thing is that once he was there, I would generally fall to sleep in just a matter of minutes. My father’s presence let me know that I was safe. I knew that he loved me, and he would never let anything bad happen to me. His presence brought me great peace. I knew I had nothing to fear.
If we, as adults, can wrap our heads around this idea of seeking the Lord’s presence in our lives, we certainly would be experiencing more peace-filled moments. We try to handle life by ourselves. Instead, we simply need to invite Jesus into the situation and allow Him to overwhelm us with His presence.
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14
I am happy to report that my friend’s follow up tests were clear. But, more importantly, she remarked that she had peace throughout the entire process because she felt God’s presence.
Ladies, no matter what life throws at you, remember that as long as your Heavenly Father is close by, you need not fear anything that lies ahead. Let Him comfort you and bring you peace!
