A BEAUTIFUL THING - Ginny Joy

This past July, my husband was hospitalized for two weeks. He was in a lot of pain, and I spent most of each day sitting with him, praying for him, and offering whatever help I could. I came home each evening and crashed into bed, exhausted.

A well-meaning, faith-filled friend who knew about the situation told me that anxiety was normal -- that it was okay to admit it. But the truth was: I had no anxiety at all! Every day, despite the intensity of the situation, I experienced the miraculous presence of Jesus, who was always by my side, telling me I could trust Him with my cares. This did not happen because of something I did: it happened because Jesus is truly merciful, and his mercy served to shield me from worry. Psalm 91 tells us that if we walk close to the Lord, He will save us from the snares of our enemy, the devil. During this time of trial, Satan baited a trap of anxiety for me, but I was saved from it, ever aware of the beauty of the love of Jesus.

He will shelter you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge; his faithfulness is a protecting shield (Ps 91:4).

After a few weeks, my husband was home, recuperating. Though facing a lengthy recovery and in need of constant care, he was doing well. Life began to return to normal, which also meant that the pace picked up. One night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I was bombarded with a flurry of thoughts: How will I find time to finish making my granddaughter’s First Communion dress? I need to finish preparing a presentation for a women’s retreat and I don’t know where to start. The house is a mess! I’m overwhelmed by the thought of all the clutter.

Suddenly, I was assailed by anxiety, the trap that Satan had laid weeks before now stood directly in my path, and I was close to putting my foot in it! But in that moment, I whispered to the Lord, “You are my refuge and my fortress. I trust in you.” The Holy Spirit reminded me of Psalm 91: “My refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Eventually, the anxiety dissipated and I was able to sleep, but the same thing happened two or three more times, always at bedtime. Each time, as I felt anxiety well up inside of me, I repeated the words from Psalm 91, and the fiery darts of the devil were quenched. I was delivered from the snare and experienced the powerful truth of God’s love, of how truly beautiful it is.

Sometimes it takes hindsight to see God’s hand. But it was apparent to me from the start that He was present: protecting, consoling, and guiding me. This is the miracle of the presence of Jesus, and I am so blessed to have experienced it.