Pulled under by a powerful riptide, my thoughts dragged me from the peaceful shores of Truth. Efforts to control my thoughts buoyed me for quick gulps of air and the hope of escape. However, as quickly as I found relief, the black water of fear eclipsed the sunshine as I sank again.
My strength was no match for this fearsome foe. The cruel undertow of my enemy was relentless. I lacked wisdom and strategy to fight and swim ashore to safety.
Mental wrestling exposed the identity of my enemy—one whose strength and cunning far surpass mine. His lies tugged at my mind and taunted me with fear of a medical appointment and concern over neglected household chores. He waved my agenda in front of me and stamped “Impossible” across the list.
My usual morning smile melted into a frown. I gave in to the temptation of negative thoughts. I considered prayer but succumbed again to the evil one’s ploys. It was as if this enemy threw sands of distraction into my eyes. I struggled to see clearly.
How did this happen? Why did worry and fear assault me early in the morning? It seemed my alarm clock’s buzz activated a battle. I remembered…
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8
I made a choice and determined the enemy of my soul would not win; his strategies would fail. My own negative thoughts would not drown me. Although my strength was insufficient, my Rescuer, the Lord Jesus Christ, is all-powerful.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Truth began to sparkle in my heart like sunlight on the ocean. The Lord God Almighty stands beside me ready to rescue me. I quickly turned to my Savior.
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4b
Lord, I’m listening to the wrong voice. I can’t get past this. I give up. I need Your help. I confess this morning’s sins of worry and lack of trust and ask You to help me.
As I prayed, my loving Father plucked me from the dark waters of fear and worry. He reminded me to trust Him and replaced the negative thoughts with a heavenly one.
Tomorrow is my fiftieth spiritual birthday!
Fifty years ago, I knelt beside my bed, looked out at a starry sky, and asked God to forgive my sins. Then, with heartfelt longing, I surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord. I rejoiced at the memory of the night He’d lifted me from the depths of my sin.
But then, another thought threatened to drag me back into despair.
Fifty years is a long time. What have I done with that time?
I should know more Scripture by now.
My faith should be stronger.
I’ve wasted time and opportunities God provided.
With this assault of negative thinking, I quickly turned to God in prayer.
Thank You for salvation in Christ alone. You placed the longing in my heart that only Jesus could fill. I’m grateful for what I’ve learned about Your Word and for the times You allow me to share it with others. I praise You for who You are and for walking beside me these fifty years.
Instantly, like an earthly father holding a child’s hand while wading along the ocean’s edge, God pointed out the treasures He’d given me.
He reminded me of many ways He’s worked in my heart.
He brought to my mind the countless blessings He’s crafted just for me.
Like pretty shells and colorful bits of sea glass in the bucket of my cleansed heart, today’s treasures from God glistened in the sunlight of His saving grace and love.
No more regrets or negative thinking for this girl this day! I’m going to celebrate fifty years of walking with Christ Jesus my Lord.
If you’ve never surrendered to Jesus, I urge you to seek His forgiveness and accept His free gift of salvation. Only then will true peace and joy wash over you.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
If you know Christ, please share in the comments how He helps you in times of trouble. How encouraging to know that we can trust God to rescue us from any enemy, even negative thinking!
If you want to know more about surrendering to Jesus, feel free to send an email to jeannie@jeanniewaters.com.
All Bible verses are taken from the NKJV.