Searching in the Darkness

She scurried up the pier fence, desperate to examine the water below. Her blond hair moved softly against her face from a gentle breeze, but her tiny frame froze with curiosity and perhaps a touch of fear. "What's in there, Mimi? she whispered as she gazed into the thick dark water below. I wrapped my arm around her, responding, "Do not be afraid, sweet girl, I've got you."

My mind moves from her question to questions of my own. I have climbed a wall to peak at the unknown. I have wondered, "What's out there, Lord? I can't see through this darkness. My world now looks very different and feels a little unsafe."

The isolation.

The social distancing.

The loneliness.

The frustration.

The depression.

The anxiety.

Can you relate to similar questions? What is a gal to do when facing unknowns?

Here are two thoughts that are helping me.

Remember who is standing beside you.

Just like I wrapped my arm around my grandbaby girl, my Lord wraps His arm around me. He says, "Do not fear, I've got you." Friends, our world may seem different. Yes, it can be a bit scary, but our Lord is beside us." We can trust Him more than my baby girl trusted me. One of my favorite verses is Palm 16:8, "I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Imagine God at your right hard!! There is nothing to fear! The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145:18 (ESV)

Remember His Promises:

When I lean into His promises, I have power over my fear. His promises are living and giving. Maybe, you like me, need a fresh reminder.

“He promises to fight for us.

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

He promises never to leave you.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

He promises to be your strength.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

He promises to hear and deliver.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17 (ESV) He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

Friends, I do not know what dark waters you are facing today, but I invite you along with my grand baby to remember who is standing beside you and to trust His promises. He is with you. He is wrapping His arms around you and whispering truths that can set you free.