When You Have an Uneasy Feeling

Picture yourself walking alone on a sidewalk illuminated by pathway lights. The moon shines brightly. The night air is calm. The chirping of the crickets brings a sense of peace. You enjoy this quiet and serene walk and are in no hurry to go inside. In fact, you might just walk around the block a few more times, enjoying such a beautiful night. You feel safe even though it is dark all around you.

Now let me slightly change the scene. You are still walking on that same sidewalk. However, instead of a moonlit sky, it is raining. You are thankful that you thought to bring your umbrella. Otherwise, by now, you would be soaking wet. Lightning flashes in the sky. Chirping sounds are replaced by cracks of thunder. The night sky seems exceptionally black. The pathway lights do not seem so very bright. The mist caused by the rain causes the air to be damp. It is hard to see. There is nothing calm or peaceful in you or around you. Your imagination begins to run wild with negative vibes. Uneasiness settles into your soul. Your nerves are on edge. Your heart is beating, way too fast. Your pace picks up, almost to a sprint. You cannot get inside quick enough.

Life is often that same way. We find ourselves in situations that give us a sense of calm, serenity, peacefulness. We also find ourselves in other situations that make us uneasy and uncomfortable.

Sometimes the threat to us is real, while other times it is just perceived. You might have recently been diagnosed with cancer. Your spouse is nearing death, and you wonder if you can keep on keepin’ on once they are gone. Your finances are in shambles; the unpaid bills keep piling up. That family member’s addiction has wreaked havoc in just about everything. Or quite possibly, you continue finding yourself in the vortex of endless “what ifs.”    

In Psalm 138:7-8 we read these words – “When I am surrounded by troubles, you keep me safe. You oppose my angry enemies and save me by your power. You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun” (GNT).

In these two verses it sure seems clear that not only did the psalmist trust in God’s power and protection, but also has confidence in the plans and purposes of the Father, despite the worrisome and disquieting current conditions.

All through the psalms, David testified that God had been his fortress and refuge in times of trouble. He knew where to turn when stuff happened – “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me” (Psalm 86:7).

God invites us to call upon him in times of trouble – “I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:14-15).

Regardless of what you are going through, or imagining that you are going through, you can rest assured that God is with you. Sometimes He will help you escape harm’s way while other times He sustains you through whatever it is that threatens you, walking stride for stride alongside you.

So, today, if the sidewalk you walk down is dimly lit and you find yourself uneasy about your surroundings, maybe even fearing the worst, allow yourself to be strengthened by the love and faithfulness of the One in whose image you were made (Genesis 1:26-27) and who created you to be who you are (Psalm 139:13-18). And rest assured that the Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18).  

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