Chaplain's Corner

February 2005
 

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:1-4,10

When was the last time you were in trouble? If you’re like me and are honest it wasn’t that long ago. Now there are different kinds of trouble which come upon us with varying degrees of intensity. For instance, writing out this article for the Ballinger House Newsletter has raised my anxiety level because I promised to have it completed by the end of the day today. Writing on deadline is stressful, but it is also energizing. And, since I’m pretty good at it, there will be a sense of accomplishment when this piece is finished. But working on one thing always means something else is not attended to. So there can be stress about getting something done as well as the anxiety about what is not.

The example above is troublesome but is not going to overwhelm me with fear. When the earth gives way and mountains fall in to the heart of the sea, however, that is major trouble. Haven’t we as survivors and families known the overwhelming anxiety that comes from living through the trauma of brain injury and its aftermath. Then, as now, we have the opportunity to trust God as our refuge and strength.

But often we trust the Lord for a moment and then take back all of the pressure and fear upon ourselves. God speaks out 8 words and calms the waters, bringing peace. “Be still, and know that I am God.” The I am, who was, and is, and is to come knows our needs and wants to provide for them.

I don’t know what troubles you are facing. Jesus is aware of your every need and wants to meet it. For He promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

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