I was in the hospital recently awaiting several heart tests to be done. Why are you feeling anxious? Is it the stress test or what the test might reveal? I asked myself. After all my visitors had gone, I decided to spend the rest of the evening focusing on a few of my favorite Scripture verses that I had previously memorized. Isaiah 43:1-3 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” But then at verse 2, I drew a complete blank. I started over many times, but it was hit and miss at best. I tried saying some of the key words I remembered such as waters, rivers, fire and flame, but I could not put the words into their proper context. “Heavenly Father, all Scripture is inspired by You and Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Your Word comforts me and encourages me. You know that I have memorized this Scripture and have said it numerous times, but why can I not think of it now? Rather than give myself a pep talk on not being anxious, I would rather hear straight talk from You through Your Word. Would You bring to mind the words of Isaiah 43:2 & 3? Thank You, Lord.”
I sighed and started again. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” I sat there with a profound sense of God answering my plea.
No fanfare ~
There was no fanfare, no one came bursting into the room with a printed version of the verses, and no Bible could be found in the bedside drawers; just the quiet words of Isaiah 43:2-3 brought to my memory. Just one of the many ways the Lord let me know He was with me, and that He loves me as He does you. As I repeated the passage three or four more times, I felt a sense of peace settle over me.
I thought about another favorite verse – that of Isaiah 41:10 which is: “Fear not, for I am with you; do be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” I repeated these verses over and over, forcing any thoughts that could trigger anxiety from my mind.
Fear not – I will help you ~
Before my daughter left that evening, she had shared a verse that was meaningful to her while undergoing chemo. She wrote it on the sheet of information on the stress test that I was to have the next day. That verse is also found in Isaiah 43; verse 13; “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.” Again, I felt the peace of God that surpasses all understanding that keeps my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. These promises are such a personal word of the Lord, not only for me, but for everyone who calls out to Him in their time of need.
The next day, I had three more tests, including the stress test, all of which were administered without any anxiety on my part as I repeated these verses quietly to myself. No pep talk – just straight talk.
Side note: All the tests were normal. I give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness to be with us, to help us, and to encourage us.