Pulled under by a powerful riptide, my thoughts dragged me from the peaceful shores of Truth. Efforts to control my thoughts buoyed me for quick gulps of air and the hope of escape. However, as quickly as I found relief, the black water of fear eclipsed the sunshine as I sank again.
My strength was no match for this fearsome foe. The cruel undertow of my enemy was relentless. I lacked wisdom and strategy to fight and swim ashore to safety.
Mental wrestling exposed the identity of my enemy—one whose strength and cunning far surpass mine. His lies tugged at my mind and taunted me with fear of a medical appointment and concern over neglected household chores. He waved my agenda in front of me and stamped “Impossible” across the list.
My usual morning smile melted into a frown. I gave in to the temptation of negative thoughts. I considered prayer but succumbed again to the evil one’s ploys. It was as if this enemy threw sands of distraction into my eyes. I struggled to see clearly.
How did this happen? Why did worry and fear assault me early in the morning? It seemed my alarm clock’s buzz activated a battle. I remembered…
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8
I made a choice and determined the enemy of my soul would not win; his strategies would fail. My own negative thoughts would not drown me. Although my strength was insufficient, my Rescuer, the Lord Jesus Christ, is all-powerful.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Truth began to sparkle in my heart like sunlight on the ocean. The Lord God Almighty stands beside me ready to rescue me. I quickly turned to my Savior.
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4b
Lord, I’m listening to the wrong voice. I can’t get past this. I give up. I need Your help. I confess this morning’s sins of worry and lack of trust and ask You to help me.
As I prayed, my loving Father plucked me from the dark waters of fear and worry. He reminded me to trust Him and replaced the negative thoughts with a heavenly one.
Tomorrow is my fiftieth spiritual birthday!
Fifty years ago, I knelt beside my bed, looked out at a starry sky, and asked God to forgive my sins. Then, with heartfelt longing, I surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord. I rejoiced at the memory of the night He’d lifted me from the depths of my sin.
But then, another thought threatened to drag me back into despair.
Fifty years is a long time. What have I done with that time?
I should know more Scripture by now.
My faith should be stronger.
I’ve wasted time and opportunities God provided.
With this assault of negative thinking, I quickly turned to God in prayer.
Thank You for salvation in Christ alone. You placed the longing in my heart that only Jesus could fill. I’m grateful for what I’ve learned about Your Word and for the times You allow me to share it with others. I praise You for who You are and for walking beside me these fifty years.
Instantly, like an earthly father holding a child’s hand while wading along the ocean’s edge, God pointed out the treasures He’d given me.
He reminded me of many ways He’s worked in my heart.
He brought to my mind the countless blessings He’s crafted just for me.
Like pretty shells and colorful bits of sea glass in the bucket of my cleansed heart, today’s treasures from God glistened in the sunlight of His saving grace and love.
No more regrets or negative thinking for this girl this day! I’m going to celebrate fifty years of walking with Christ Jesus my Lord.
If you’ve never surrendered to Jesus, I urge you to seek His forgiveness and accept His free gift of salvation. Only then will true peace and joy wash over you.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
If you know Christ, please share in the comments how He helps you in times of trouble. How encouraging to know that we can trust God to rescue us from any enemy, even negative thinking!
If you want to know more about surrendering to Jesus, feel free to send an email to jeannie@jeanniewaters.com.
All Bible verses are taken from the NKJV.
Beautifully written Jeanne! I get it. I have been there, too. I am thankful for a Father who cares for us and rescues us from satan’s lies.
Thanks for commenting, Stephanie. Yes, we can trust God to help us even when our own thoughts deceive us. You’re right!
Jeannie! So well said as you bring comfort through your experiences. Thank you for always glorifying God though the words He gives you. 🥰🥰 And Happy Born -again day.
Thanks, Lisa. I’m still celebrating my born-again birthday! Our experiences can help others avoid pitfalls. Appreciate you!
I love this, Jeannie. What a great comfort for us who are getting on up there in our years with the Lord. He’s indeed given us many great treasures with many more to come! Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Happy 50th!!
I love the quote you shared, Jean. “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” Yes, His treasures are countless. Thanks for sharing.
Perfect timing. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad these truths helped you, Pam, as they helped me. Thank you so much for commenting.
Jeannie,
This is beautifully written and oh so true. We all experience these dreadful feelings of not being healthy and happy at all times.
We feel as if there should be a magic potion to turn it all around, and if we hadn’t wasted so much time on nonsense.
When we are weak and lean hard into our Lord he delights in our giving him the glory. He is and will always be our healer and comforter.
Thanks for your reminders that we are not alone.
Becky, thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, calling on Him is the answer. As you said, He is our healer and comforter.
Jeannie, you nailed it!!
Beautifully written Jeannie. I love the picture you painted about the struggle with negative thinking especially as we age and have less and less future. The scripture you gave draws us to where we should focus. What an encouragement.
Thank you, Glenda. My day ended up being wonderful!
Amen and Amen Ms. Jeannie. Loved, loved, loved this post ma’am. I’m actually feeling excited and empowered here, which is doing something for me at 10:30 at night. 🙂 Thank you, and God’s blessings my friend.
Marilyn, I’m glad the post encouraged you. God’s work that day uplifted me.
J.D. , I’m thankful you found encouragement as I did from God’s strength. Thanks so much for commenting.
This is wonderful. I lived with fear, anxiety, and worry for most of my life, but our God is a god of healing and hope. Thanks so much for this post.
Josh, I faced those issues, too. They still tempt me from time to time, but I’m thankful for God’s Word which gives us the answers we need. I appreciate your comments.
Loved this the first time I read it; love it even more now!! I love this phrase: “cruel undertow of my enemy” – an undertow isn’t something we can always “see” – it’s sneaky, strikes without warning, strikes from below and takes us down – knocking us off our feet – and then dragging us down and under. Cruel indeed! BUT GOD!!! Thanks for the reminder that we can take captive our thoughts and make them God-centered, even when the evil one wants something different for us!!
Thank you, Julie. “Taking every thought captive” is a good scriptural reminder.
Powerful word pictures to paint the scene we all face – fear and worry. And the solution is God’s truth. He rescues us from drowning in the sea of worry.
You are right, Barbara, that “the solution is God’s truth.” Thank you so much for commenting and agreeing.
Oh my, you have been peeking in my windows and watching me fret. That’s illegal, you know. But seriously, you have nailed the battle we all fight some days. Fear is so powerful, but God is greater. No wonder He wrote, “Fear not!” 144 times in the Bible. You’d think we’d get the message! Thanks for this powerful reminder, Jeannie
Lori, I’m glad you reminded us that God said, “Fear not!” 144 times in the Bible! We need lots of reminders, don’t we? Yes, God is greater! As Christians, we can remind each other of the truth. Thank you, Lori.
I needed the verses as a reminder that my worry and fears are not going to devour me. Thank you for encouraging verses that God promises us everyday.
Lynn, I’m thankful these verses blessed you! I appreciate you reading and commenting so much.
Even when we know Jesus, I think we are still assailed with doubt and fear. That’s when God sends us messages from His other children to help lift us from the depths of despair. Thank you for being God’s messenger with this uplifting message. I needed this reminder.
Katherine, thank you for affirmation. God Himself encourages us and then, as icing on the cake, He allows us to help each other. We all need encouragement!