The Suncatcher

Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whitersoever thou goest.

Routinely, mindlessly I opened the lid and dropped the clothes in the washing machine, twisted the dial, and started the process. Never once did thoughts of what I was doing break through the clouds of worry that plagued me. How am I going to do that? It’s more than I can handle. I’ll never make it! Water filled the tub. I stood there motionless wondering, Is there any way to get out of it? What would happen if I just didn’t do it? Then the back and forth swishing of water mingled with clothes and detergent broke through the voices of anxiety shouting at me.

Suddenly I realized the shade was still drawn and I was missing out on the beautiful February sunlight. I reached over and yanked the shade. As it rose, sunlight glimmered through the stained glass suncatcher hanging in the window and the words of scripture boldly confronted me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Prov. 3:5

Ah, yes, Lord, trust. I need to trust. I need to trust YOU. My head knows exactly what to do, but sometimes it’s so hard for my heart to follow and to let go of the things that worry me. This is one of those times. Help me refocus and put things into perspective. I remember the words of one of your great servants who says, “It’s not what you feel, it’s what you know that counts.”

So what do I know? I know that God is totally in control (Job 42:2). I know that He knows what is best (Job 23:10) and that His way is perfect (II Sam. 22:31). I know He will never leave or forsake me (Heb. 13:5). He promised to supply my every need (Psalm 23:1; Phil. 4:19). I know I can do all things through Christ (Phil 4:13) and that with Him nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). I know that if I rely on Him, He will strengthen me and give me the courage, wisdom and protection that I need (Psalm 27). I know that He is all I need for every need (Psalm 23).

As the words of scripture flood my mind, I am reassured and the warmth of God’s presence flows into my soul, just as the sunlight from outside flows through the suncatcher in my window. Fear fades and I am refreshed. I’m ready now to face today--and tomorrow.

Lord, thank You for putting a visual reminder in front of me. Help me always to rest in Your perfect love and find grace and strength to meet each new day and every fear and every trial.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
God Remembers Me
Bless the Lord O My Soul
Cast Your Care On Him

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