Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. Psalms 94:19 (TPT)
Have you ever experienced that 3 a.m. wake-up call? No, I’m not talking about your phone actually ringing but about being awakened by the grip of anxiety. The swirl of thoughts that race through your mind like a stampede of wild horses. The noise is loud, and the adrenaline rush is real.
Where do all these crazy, out-of-control thoughts come from? Maybe, like me, you are an information junkie, and these days, the supply is unending. Death scrolling consumes our time, minds, and hearts. It pulls us into things that are interesting but not necessary. We become overwhelmed with problems that we are not in a position to address or fix. Those are just the things out there – that doesn’t begin to touch our own struggles. All of this leads us to sleepless nights and anxious days.
As I was cleaning my kitchen one day, I was listening to a podcast about AI. Ah, yes, the topic on everyone’s mind (and much more engaging than dishes). It brings top-level questions to mind, like “Who will lose their job next?” “What will be left after the swarm of AI agents finishes consuming every aspect of our lives”? “How are things going to change and never return to what we have known”?
All these questions were swirling in my mind. Mostly in the context of my children and grandchildren. What will the world look like for them? How will their lives be forever changed? And is there anything we can do to prepare?
In the busyness of my thoughts, I heard a familiar, still, small voice. He said, “And just like that”. Calmly, without explanation, just those words. With those few simple words came a profound revelation. In an instant, while I was pondering the opinions and predictions of the experts, fear and anxiety walked right in the door of my mind and heart. Not because I was in a dangerous situation or even facing an imminent crisis, but because I had entertained the “What if?” questions posed by what I had heard.
Now, I am not suggesting we never listen, learn, or that we become hermits on a deserted island, although the island thing sounds pretty good. The Holy Spirit is such a faithful friend and comforter. He isn’t distant but ever present, keeping watch over us. He sees, knows, and understands the pressures we face. His role is not to scold us, wag his finger in disgust, or shame us when we have those “What if?” thoughts. He is waiting with wisdom and peace that will push back the darkness and chaos with just one word. While that is wonderful news, He goes beyond settling to refocus our attention on a bigger truth.
Think about it, we are never alone because God will never leave us. He is not surprised by our dilemma. Our mess doesn’t drive Him away; it draws Him near. He is the comforter, and His presence changes everything. We really can live in a rainbow-and-sunshine world. Our outside circumstances may still be stormy and difficult, but snuggled up in God’s lap, we find hope, peace, and life.
It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the world’s problems, but we get to choose. Stay in that place, or open our eyes and hearts to the warm, tangible presence of God, who loves us and has our best in mind; that is where we find strength and delight, or live in the swirl of chaos that the world has to offer. It seems pretty simple even though it doesn’t always feel that way.