“Oh Lord, You have searched me and know me” (Psalm 139:1, NIV).
My stomach clenched as we entered the ENT’s office.
This week was for my husband, not me. We needed to find a solution to his problem. Jeff’s throat, covered with white patches and swelling, made us fear he had throat cancer. He could barely talk. Our careful web searches had increased our concern. We knew these buildings at the Mayo Clinic much better than we would have liked. After multiple cancers and other major afflictions, this felt like the last straw. We were weary!
Now is no time for me to have issues, I told my stomach. I’m the caregiver. He’s the patient. I just need to change my eating and get over whatever this is.
The nurse practitioner skillfully maneuvered her scope to explore Jeff’s passageways. Nasal cavities, throat, mouth, and ears all checked out. No sign of cancer! She formed a plan and sent us to his next appointment, an MRI.
We needed clear answers.
Do you get knots in your stomach over the unknowns in your life? I wanted to be strong, but all the possible problems weighed me down. I wanted to trust God with Jeff’s health, but my physical state revealed my fear battle. When we struggle to trust God, how can we gain tangible peace?
This visit reminded me that God knows everything I don’t about both Jeff and me. Scopes and scans help trained doctors see inside our bodies to uncover dangerous conditions. They do this skillfully, but imperfectly. God sees perfectly!
“O Lord, you have searched me and know me” (Psalm 139:1, NIV).
David wrote this amazing psalm reflecting on God’s complete knowledge of his life. When he considered the Lord’s omniscient care, it emboldened him to ask for succor. God will search our hearts if we pray. He knows every thought we have, every place we go, and every day of our stories. We can trust Him with our cares.
When you and I get tangled up with worry, it keeps us from walking by faith. Asking God to search our hearts invites Him into our battles. He already knows the cause of our hidden pain, but He waits for us to ask for guidance.
I realized my stomach was reacting to stress about my husband’s ongoing medical struggles. I recognized that, though unpleasant, it was a signal that I needed to make a change. God never intended for me to carry that stress in my strength. I needed support! When I asked for help, God restored my trust in Him.
We often develop blind spots, places where we try to hold onto things that the Lord wants us to bring to Him. Stomach pain, sleeplessness, or short temper might be clues that something needs to change. If life has you tangled up in worry, try taking it to the One who knows you best.
First, invite Him to examine your heart and mind. Submit to his loving inspection. You might be surprised by what He shows you.
Next, make a deliberate choice to trust your unknown future to the God who knows you and loves you passionately. He does!
Finally, look for simple changes you can make. I adjusted my diet and took some time to rest. Don’t forget to thank God when He restores your strength!
Jesus, we thank You for using difficulties in our lives. Our weaknesses overwhelm us, but they teach us to rely upon You. Thank You for the open invitation to come and receive Your care. Help us remember that You know exactly what we need. You see us and love us. When we bring our anxious thoughts to You, we discover new strength and courage. Your search results in healing.
