I didn’t feel good.
Although I’ve always been a hypochondriac, I’ve been less of one thanks to the Lord’s help. I used to scroll frenetically through Web MD at the slightest onset of pain. I used to fixate on whatever I was dying from that day and let it mentally and emotionally,
Consume me.
But as God’s helped me break the bondage of all anxiety in my life, I haven’t gone to those dark places nearly as often. Until yesterday. Hypochondriaism, like all fear, is a thief. It steals contentment, joy, and the ability to be present or think rationally. It robs us not only of today, but worst of all, it also paints a
Dark and hopeless tomorrow.
But this morning I realized I hadn’t prayed about my pain. I had thought about God; why He’d allow my premature death, how that would impact my family’s faith, etc., but I didn’t ask for His peace (Phil. 4:6-7), healing (Is. 53:4a), or help focusing on what was true, excellent, or praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). I was so overwhelmed by fear I didn’t even think to pray.
Until today.
After praying, my thoughts shifted. I remembered that my autoimmune flare ups over the years have always come, but also eventually always go. I gained the presence of mind to realize what was true; I’ve been diagnosed with nothing new so why predict my future demise? After praying, the peace of God which surpasses understanding, covered me
Completely.
Things that plague us (anxiety, anger, temptation, etc.) rarely completely go away, but we’re being conformed to Christ’s likeness (Rom. 8:29). C.S. Lewis said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” What’s plaguing you? Stop. Ask God for help. Step into the peace, presence, and perspective that come from heart-felt, in-line-with-Scripture, and earnest prayer. I promise it will make you feel better,
Today and tomorrow.