( A different sort of thankful post)
Ever had a feeling of dread that immobilizes you? Ever felt heart palpitations or shortness of breath? I have. Over and over again, I get tripped up by what I sense is looming, not what is real.
I notice a pattern in my life. Every fall the wind of change blows over my heart. I become hypersensitive and my body talks to me. Fear and anxiety peek their heads out of the ground like pumpkins. I don’t like it. I feel vulnerable, weak and faithless.
What I am realizing is that my past is like a scar that flares up once a year. Just like someone with arthritis can feel her body ache prior to a storm coming, I do the same. I sense the storms of my past and prepare for another one.
Looking back, almost every traumatic experience I’ve had happened in the fall. Deaths of loved ones. My brother’s cancer diagnosis. My abortion and miscarriage. Memories of brokenness. Change of schools.
Here’s what I’m learning, during this beautiful season of fall colors, I have to focus not on what was, but rather what is.
What helps?
Being intentional about praising the Lord this day.
Singing hymns from the depth of my pain until joy comes.
Thanking God for everything I can think of, even if it’s my bowl of Raisin Bran.
Journaling.
Listening to God’s still small voice.
Most of all, reminding myself of God’s promises and His truth. Truth triumphs over my stormy past–everytime. Jesus paid the price for my freedom. Because of Him, I can live a joyful life.
God is good.
He is trustworthy.
He is my rock, my strong tower, my stronghold, and my hiding place.
He is my perfect love.
My Prince of Peace.
I went to the doctor this week for my neck and other issues. His prescription for me cost me nothing, but cost Christ everything.
“G-R-A-C-E twice daily.”
Now there’s a pill worth swallowing!
I needed that, Lord. Thank you for opening my eyes and helping me see through this storm. Thank you for friends and family and my doctor who point me back to you. Remind me to refill my prescription when it’s running low. I love you!
Want to join in with your list of thanks? Visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
Tiffany,
What a beautiful post. May the Lord bless you, May He be your Balm of Gilead!
I will pray that when you feel the flare up that you will immediately feel the warm embrace of your Loving Savior wrapping Himself around you, loving you right through it!
God bless you.
What a blessing to have a believing and loving Doctor! In our human-ness, we seem to have trigger reflexes that need that medicine you talked about.
It is work, thanks for the reminder. I get prone to days like that if I am not busy in the fall. I have to praise away the cloud that wants to hover overhead.
Glad you got the victory!
Just remember dear friend, stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Just make sure it’s chocolate and you will feel better. 😉
As ever and for always, you are in my prayers.
Thanks for blessing me with your precious heart, love you.
Remember: that prescription has unlimited refills. God lavishes his grace on us.
Beth@TheAccidentalPharisee
What a lovely post! We all certainly have a lot to be thankful for. Remain blessed!
Ah, friend, a beautiful post….
He’s coming for you. You past does not define you….
it is finished!
He has given you new life…a new beginning, the old has gone, the new has come.
I am hearing the verse in my head as I type, “do not dwell on the past, see I am doing something new, there will be streams in the desert.” (my paraphrase of Isaiah 43???…can’t remember the exact location right now)…
He’s doing a new thing. The past’s effects have been removed. Look for the streams in this desert.
You are a treasure to my heart.
Hugs,
Julie
Tiffany,
Thinking of you today and all the many changes that Fall brings to our lives. I love your prescription…grace and then some more grace. I also love the practical ideas you provide and have found myself doing much of the same.
Truly, I hope you are well and finding the rest and comfort you need in Jesus. I’ve been leaning hard and fast on him in recent days. He’s so willing for us to come and lean. That I were quicker to do so each day!
peace~elaine
Praying for your complete healing.
Blessings,
Paulette Harris
http://www.pauletteharris.biz
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.blog
What a wonderful post! Many years ago, a friend of ours told us about how she was thankful and praised God for little things like a smooth table top, that today she had a roof over her head and food on the table, etc. Your post reminded me of that. Thank you.
~Susan
Hey Sweet Tiffany!
I’ve missed you my friend. Just catching up on your posts.
I must say the fall is a difficult season in my life as well. Many losses in those months as well.
I try to remember the good things.
Loved your answer, GRACE!!! Yes, and it comes right when we need it the most.
Hope you are feeling better♥
Yes, I do have some isseues my heart pound faster – like you – things from the past, Satan likes to use to immobilize me. You are right – Christ paid the price for the past. He forgave us our sins, but sometimes they still came back to our mind and we get sick to the stomach…Grace is a wonderful perscription – combined with mercy – is the best medicine…
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us…
Be blessed today and always…