Work in Progress, Fear to Peace – Part 2

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” 

Psalm 51:12 (NLT) 

God seemed to whisper, “Life is full of seasons.” 

Seasons hit when we don’t expect it…at least, that’s what happened to me. A season of fear hit me hard as I walked along the boardwalk to the Suwannee River. On the surface, life appeared great. Our daughter was working in her field and dating a nice young man. Our finances were good. Our health was good according to our recent doctors’ visits. The indigestion passed. I still needed to lose weight; but I started walking again. Hair pieces were fun.  And, despite Larry’s diagnosis, he was still functioning at a good level. Life was good. So, where were these fears coming from? I was in a place of goodness; but my mind was troubled. 

Was I overwhelmed by goodness? What if the goodness vanished? Was I depressed and didn’t realize it?  I didn’t know. All I knew was I had to get out of the self-defeating thoughts.  

So, I got on my knees and poured my heart out to God. I called Silent Unity, Guideposts and Joel Osteen Ministries for prayers. Then, I asked God for strength to let the fears go. I got up from my knees and walked to the river. Still a bit uneasy, I had done all I could do.

“Look around you, I already did…”

For the next two mornings, I took long slow walks to the Suwannee River…stopping often to look around, breathe deeply and simply listen. By the third day, the swirling thoughts and knotting stomach were gone.  

And, yes, fear did creep back in. But it didn’t stay. Faith had settled in…along with peace.  Slowly, quiet, inner joy sprang up. 

I can’t say the unraveling won’t happen again because seasons come and go. And I’m all right with that because I know what to do. Kneel. Pray.

“There is a river that brings joy to the city of God, the holy place where God Most High lives.” Psalm 46:4 

 And, maybe, a long, slow, walk to the river. 

 Dear God, thank You so much for being a constant in my life. I know seasons come and go. So, when fears creep in help me realize it’s just temporary. As long as I rely upon You, I can move past  my fear into Your peace. Amen!