Worst-case Scenario?

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 62:5 NIV    Psalm 43:5 Berean Study Bible

I admit it, sometimes I can be a bit morbid. Mentally playing out worst-case scenarios to their logical end as I try to anticipate how I will handle the challenge. Not with a lack-of faith mindset, but in an awareness that challenges face all of us. Being a follower of Christ doesn’t grant us a pass on life’s trials but rather a solid place to land as we walk through them. Have you noticed that too?

Recently, while still in the recovery process from heart surgery, I ventured out for my first walk, alone, through a nearby park. I used the quietness and slow pace to talk with my Lord, then my mind began its habit of worst-case-scenario planning. As I mulled over the very real possibility of a specific challenge, a momentary fear stabbed my heart. “O, Father … what if….? It would be shattering ….”  Thankfully, before fear had the opportunity to take root and invade my heart, His truth instantly washed over me. “I will never leave you or forsake you … “

Without stopping to see if anyone else might be on the trail who would overhear (and think I’m crazy!) I heard myself begin to speak out loud … “No matter what happens Father … I will always have You … I know You will walk me through anything that comes my way.  Even if _____ happens, I’ll be okay. Help me find my rest in You alone. Not in anyone or anything else. It’s You and me Lord.”

It’s so easy to find our stability and soul’s rest in other people or pleasant circumstances or a steady paycheck or a good family and even our own ability to white-knuckle our way through life/trials … but God calls us to find our soul’s rest in Him alone. He is our Rock of Refuge.

Think for a moment, where is your soul finding its rest? Be honest with yourself. If you find (like I have many times) that your soul’s rest is anything other than the Lord, turn to Him now and ask Him to help you transfer your rest to Him alone. Whether our circumstances are best-case or worst-case scenarios, we are to find our soul’s rest in Him alone.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.

Corrie ten Boom

Father God, Help me find rest in You alone. Not in another person or pleasant circumstances or in my own perceived strength … but in You alone. You are trustworthy and my mighty Rock of Refuge. Thank You for Your faithfulness Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus