I know I have written on this subject before. The reason is that worry and sadness are the biggest obstacles in my life. But I notice other people also struggle with this so I guess I'll keep writing about it.
One of my granddaughters
has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She has had this since she was four years
old. Her life has been full of fears and sadness because of this disease. She
started to get better when she turned 13. Her fears were slowly ebbing away and
we were all rejoicing.
She is now 20 years old
and has done very well. She finished her grade 12 from an online school. She
had a job in the last city the family lived in and did very well. Now they have
moved to a new city. She got a job at The Body Shop. After she was hired and
had worked a few days, they told her there was a quota on how much she must
sell each day - $650. Well, she had already been selling that much, but the
pressure of the quota and the 3 times monthly that they reviewed her work was
too much for her so she quit. Apparently, her boss said no one is ever told
they are meeting expectations. Everyone is told they are working below
expectations so they will work harder, but it was too much for my
granddaughter. She needed encouragement – not discouragement.
The Body Shop may be
nice to animals, but humans are a different story.
So, she is having a
set-back in her illness. She doesn’t know if she wants to try to work again. We
are all feeling worried and sad for her.
This morning, as I
talked with God, I said to him, “I know we are not supposed to worry or feel
discouraged. But it is so hard not to feel that way.”
Then Mom and I turned on
Joyce Meyer, who was speaking on trusting in God. She used the Scripture, “We do not know what to do, but our
eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
“We don’t know what to
do.” Yes, that is when fear, worry and sadness come upon us.
What can I do for my
granddaughter? Nothing but be her friend.
What can God do for my
granddaughter? Anything and everything.
That’s why our eyes
should look towards God. He gives us hope. The hope is in how strong and wise
he is. The hope is in how the Bible shows God brings good out of evil. The hope
is in believing he hears our prayers and is working for us and for those we
love.
“…hold fast to the hope
set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and
steadfast. Hebrews 6: 18,19
Psalms 42 and 43 are
great songs of hope. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put
my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5
“May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
“Cast all your anxiety
on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
“Trust in the LORD with
all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
