Psalm 34:4

Gina Burkhart shares her thoughts with us today. This started out as me just responding to Tara‘s devotional today, but I just kept writing - and now it’s a full devotional, if you choose to use it as such. :)

So I choose to use it and it will encourage you. Ty Gina

Loved Tara’s devotional! Tara and I realized a while back that we have the same verse tattoo. Psalm 34:4. Although, if I’m being honest, I must admit I’ve been letting some of my fears creep back in lately. I lay them down every morning, and as the day progresses, I pick them all back up. That verse was one of a few that I focused on daily years ago when I was going through cancer treatments. Without a doubt, I was a passenger and The Lord had the wheel.

But lately, I’ve been putting myself back in the driver seat, a lot. When life seems to be spinning out of control, I tend to go into overdrive, doing all “I” can to fix it, but then The Lord reminds me, again, that’s not how this works. I’m grateful every day for The Lord’s mercy and grace. And, I’m grateful today for Tara’s beautiful testimony and reminder about how much fear can control us, only if we let it!! 

Last week I brought a particular fear and anxiety to Tuesday prayer, and it had to do with Chuck’s prison ministry, which has prompted a lot of changes in not just his life, but in my life also, as I come along side him, in many ways I never expected. Teresa prayed with us that night and nudged me to think that maybe I am mistaking my fear and anxiety for what might possibly be excitement. That stuck with me throughout that night, and the next day, all morning, the words “you were made for such a time as this” kept running through my mind. I’m being honest, and a little embarrassed when I say, it was not even connecting with me that this was a biblical reference, let alone from the book of Esther. But, it did prompt me to look it up. 

“…perhaps you were created for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

This is when Mordecai encouraged Esther to use her position as the queen to save the Jewish people. The verse reminds us all that God places people in specific circumstances for divine purpose and that we should “be excited” and have courage and faith in these challenging moments, not anxiety and fear. It truly changed my whole approach to it all, right in that very moment. Right in a moment when I’m asking God to help me hear Him, help me understand - there The Spirit is moving amongst us all. 

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

“The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Psalms 27:1

Make it. Thoughtful Thursday! God is good…