“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19

I was comparing notes, thinking out loud, commiserating. The two of us, over the phone, talked life, difficulty and stress. Both of us have been anxious for a while and it seemed we were looking for common ground. One thing for sure, we weren’t looking to STAY in the situations we found ourselves. So commiserating was like therapy. Something had to give!

Nobody likes to be in a hole. To be down, depressed or anxious takes on a life of its own. Having been in situations like this before, I know there to be no stopwatch. That is part of the journey. I go until it’s over… HOPING ‘over’ is soon. But never really sure. All the while, I talk to Jesus. At times it seems like He isn’t listening. But I know He is. He saw my foot slip!

A lot of things have been happening to a lot of people in our church family. Tough things. Sickness, pain, sorrow, loss. Each carries it’s own weight that needs to be carried. How far and for how long varies. But I have found it to be a mistake to think that I am alone. Today’s verse says so. There are LOTS of verses in the Bible saying ‘God is ALWAYS there.’ He is!

I have found that difficulties can come from poor focus. Sometimes I THINK I am walking and talking with Jesus. But then I find my head and hands full of stuff that he never put there! Before I can have any relief, I must drop the luggage and let Him have them. I guess since I can’t take it with me, I need to let it fall behind. And put my focus and trust on HIM.

Today I am going to let anxiety fly away and let HIS consolation bring me joy. How about YOU?