Psalms 94:18-19 NIV
[18] When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. [19] When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
I used to judge people that had a fear of heights. I would say to them, "What if your child was at the edge of a cliff and they were going to crawl off?! You wouldn't have a fear of heights then would you?!" I had no concept of that kind of anxiety so I had a very hard time empathizing. Until, we were on one of our yearly trips to the High Sierras to go hiking. We had to go up Tioga pass which is a very narrow two-way road that was carved into the side of a sheer cliff. After doing it year after year, this one particular year my heart started to pound! I had seen a larger view from the car of exactly where we were and realized if one rock came loose it would pop us and the car into oblivion. The fear became so overwhelming that I felt paralyzed. Like I couldn't move, but the inside of me was a storm of anxiety. Ever since that day I have had that reaction to heights.
As I read today's scripture it made me think of that memory. I have formed a habit of closing my eyes after I read certain scriptures and putting myself into a situation in my mind that would make me experience that Scripture on a full level. I was stuck climbing once and I was slipping. All I could think of was falling to my death or that I would be paralyzed the rest of my life. I remember those moments of fear before I found a steady place for my hand to grab on to.
While reading the scripture I pictured myself on a high, sheer cliff. The kind you see mountain goats on. So incredibly high that you could almost see the rest of the world from it. My heart was pounding and the anxiety was so great inside of me because I couldn't find a place for my foot to go and my hands were getting so tired. Then, I envisioned Jesus cupping his hand under my foot. Oh, that feeling of relief and support. The comfort of knowing I wasn't alone with that horrible feeling and situation. The exhale of relief. He securely stabilized my foot and lifted me to a secure place. He came up beside me and secured his arm around my waist. He supported me when I couldn't support myself. Each step we took he encouraged me and consoled me.
After arriving at the top of the mountain we sat together. We talked for a long time and I knew that I would never be the same. I knew that whenever I was afraid I would know that he was there. That, in the future when I had great anxiety he would console me and comfort me. What joy I felt knowing how precious I was to him. Through those times of suffering he built in me endurance, character and hope. (Romans 5:3-5). And through those times of trusting him with all my heart, I learned how to stop trying to control everything and to trust him in all my ways. (Proverbs 3:5-6), "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight."
When you read scripture, try this visual exercise. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a situation where you would be feeling those feelings. Then, see your Savior doing exactly what he promises in his word. It's a very powerful experience that cements his word into your brain cells. You may not recall that scripture but you will recall his faithfulness and goodness. You will never forget the experience or the lesson that he taught you through it.
Psalms 94:18-19 NIV
[18] When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. [19] When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Don't just read God's word, experience it.
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