Today’s PrayerPoint ~ Psalm 139

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”        Psalm 139:23

It’s interesting, I don’t recall that I have had a lot of anxious feelings during my life but I have experienced them more often in the last five years or so. I am not entirely sure what is behind them but I have noticed an increase. I also know a growing number of people who struggle with debilitating anxiety. You know, the kind of anxiety where one cannot get out of bed and enter into the day. That is some tough stuff.

I am sure people struggled with that level of anxiety in my earlier years but I don’t ever recall hearing much about it. I am so thankful that we are in a time where this can be discussed and treated. There is nothing like a good psychologist and psychiatrist, supportive family and friends, and God’s healing touch to help a weary traveler get back on their feet.

Once I did have a meltdown of epic proportions. I remember saying something like this to Don, my husband, “I wish I had a broken arm or leg because then you could see there is something wrong.” It was during a season of very young children mixed with some chronic sleep deprivation. There was illness mixed in with other things and I was overwhelmed at the thought of him going on a particular business trip. It felt very strange to ask him not to leave but I had to. He actually had a really bad cold too so it was better that he stayed home. Even if he wasn’t able to help with the kids, I knew he would be nearby and accessible. It made all the difference in the world to me.

Sleep deprivation makes a huge impact on the psyche and I believe it was at the root of my situation. But there are also so many crazy things happening in our lives and in our world that sometimes, sweet peace seems very elusive.

As I read through Psalm 139, I love the reassurance that God knows my thoughts, that He hems me in, and He created my innermost being.

Are there particular phrases that bring comfort to you?