Dried Up?

Out of the blue, the blues hit me. I’m not exactly sure why. I just know my heart weighed heavily, discouragement set in, and I gapingly lacked any sort of motivation. The day wearily dragged while I attempted to make it through. Anxious thoughts fed my negative perspective, and I felt so empty, so dried up. So desperate for God.

Sweetly my Lord held onto me. Leading me to Himself, He heard my pitiful pleas. Wisely He directed me to His Word, through which He spoke personally and powerfully:

For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on Thee … thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.'” 2 Chron. 20:12 & 15, NASB

As I sat listening with two of my kids to an online sermon, I latched onto these Scripture verses. Was I facing anything drastically difficult? No. Had something extraordinarily problematic come my way? No. But I still related to the battle scenario. Invisibly, discouragement and depression waged within–not overly seriously, yet enough to garner my attention.

And God saved me.

You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf…” 2 Chron. 20:17

Setting my sight on Him through prayer and Bible reading turned the tide. Trust me, my prayers weren’t eloquent, and I certainly didn’t immerse myself in detailed Bible study. But I’m telling you, these simple remedies, available to all, lifted my spirits! Faithfully God drew near as I drew near to Him.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” Jas. 4:8

My day didn’t suddenly become fantastic. Laundry, cooking, and house tidying awaited. Even so, God was with me. He revealed Himself in a personal way. He listened, stooped down, and soothed me. Holding me in His embrace, the Lord gently reiterated His love. Truly it’s an awesome, irreplaceable experience to be comforted by the living God!

Friend, God is near. He sees you in your joys and sorrows, constantly keeping guard over you. A victorious God, He fights your battles–big and small.

The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zeph. 3:17

Would you believe I ended that day laughing? Though I’d muddled into it feeling dried up, God graciously granted me new perspective. Quenching my thirst, He restored my soul even while His goodness and lovingkindness followed me ( see Ps. 23:2 & 6). Surely He’ll do the same as you look to Him.