"The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses" Psalm 25:17
Our heart can tell us a lot about our mental, physical and spiritual health when faced with opposition. It's a great indication of how well we handle the various pressures we face in life. Health concerns, financial hardships, family issues or ministry related stresses can all bring unwanted trouble to our hearts. Some of us try to figure things out on our own before seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Our first response should always be prayer. It is in our intimate and sacred time with the Lord we will find genuine help. God will direct us where to go, who to speak to and what we need to do. Moments of distress can not be handled alone. We need his presence to steady our hearts and relax our minds. Otherwise we will give into negative thoughts and behaviors. It’s in these instances the enemy will capitalize on our fears and anxieties. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to help us navigate out of the looming darkness of our thoughts and circumstances and into God's illuminating light. Thik of God’s light as gravity; the closer we get to it the more we will be pulled to the truth. The daunting cloud of our stress will begin to dissipate.
Although our hearts are full with emotions that make us feel like they are raging out of control; the truth is we are in control when we place our confidence in God. The only way we can overcome our fears and anxieties is to take back our confidence and place it where it belongs...in God's capable hands.
We have the power to speak not only to our situations but also to our emotions. If we can control our emotions we are able to think clearly, pray fervently and hope with joy that whatever we face is turning around for our good. Why? Because the word of God clearly states that he is not only working things out for our good...but when it's all said and done his plan is going to make our way prosperous.
Hold on to this truth...God is a deliverer. Think of how he has shown up in your life. Recall all of your victories, count all of your blessings big and small and take rest in his ability to do it again! Turnover all of your stress to God. Lay your cares, fears, doubts and your sins before him. Bear your heart, tell him you need his divine intervention and trust that we will do what only he can do. In return, if you are willing to receive it... you will obtain the grace to endure, the peace that your heart longs for, and the assurance that he is in control.