Praying God's Word is a Soothing Balm Robert Schaetzle When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without a fear. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 RSV)
There has been much concern because of the Coronavirus. We've become anxious and fearful. Over my 80 plus years, while walking by faith, I've experienced other moments when fear wanted to grip my heart and mind. During those times of great turmoil, I learned by experience that it takes the same amount of energy to pray as it does to worry.
In those seasons past, I have received great peace by taking hold of the promises of God. Praying His word reminds me of His presence, authority, His blessed assurance, and abiding power and love that dwell within me. His word defeats the forces of darkness that bring fear and seek to steal God's promises and preeminence from my mind and heart. Intentional moments spent meditating upon our Lord's promises have been my 'Soothing Balm' to see me through great difficulties.
Looking back in history, when the prophet Jeremiah mourned for Israel, he asked these questions: "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" (Jeremiah 8:22 RSV)
Today, many are fearful without the hope of Jehovah Rapha, the Great Physician, our healing balm. During this time, we can be a great encouragement for the weak in spirit, sharing our Lord, His promises, and helping the fearful to trust and walk by faith.
Robert lives in Sunnyvale, CA, serving in a Sharing & Caring Ministry. Contact |