When we’re going through difficulties, we know to pray. However, sometimes I find myself still striving hard to work out the problems on my own. It might be a matter of not being aware of God’s nearness, faithfulness and strength at the time. Or, it might be a matter of me trusting myself more than I trust God.

On the other hand, when things get really bad, and my efforts don’t seem to make a dent in the situation, God comes to the forefront of my mind as my only option. This has not always been the case, but the more difficulties I go through, the more I’m learning to trust Him. Hard times have literally strengthen my faith, though I still don’t like them. I long for when I’m desperate for Him all the time, even during good circumstances.

I had one of those really hard situations a few years ago. I can’t recall all that was going on but it was multiple issues all at once dealing with family health, too much to do and the ever present brokenness of the world around me. I remember the feeling of being crushed under my burden  more than the exact issues. I literally felt a huge weight on my shoulders, like a heavy knapsack weighing me down to my knees.

I needed God and I knew it. I was at work and decided to take a prayer walk during a break. Prayer walks seem to be affective for me. I pull away, alone, moving and talking to God.

I walked into a deserted office area in the back of the building, with row after row of abandoned cubicles and equipment. As I talked to God, I had a picture in my mind’s eye of me walking along a river instead of a line of empty office spaces. A peace came over me. I knew in my spirit I was walking along the river of God.

The river was to my left and I was walking along the bank in the same direction as the current. I stopped and turned to face the river. Caught up in the rhythmic flow of the current, I felt God’s presence.

God spoke to my heart. “Take off the burden.”

I did.

“Throw it in the river.”

“But, I have to take care of these things,” I objected.

“No you don’t. You’re to live a life fully dependent on me. I’m your ever present help in this trouble. Throw all that stress and worry in the river. I’ll take care of them.

Keep walking with me. Be watchful and wait for me. You’re yoked to me. My yoke is easy and My load is light.”

This sounded really good to me. So picked up the heavy sack and whirled it into the rushing current. I saw it float away, ahead of me down stream. For an instance, I wanted to jump in after it, but I sensed God saying, “Keep walking. I have it.”

I did walk on. Completely peaceful, I sensed God walking right along with me, beside me and in me. A cool breeze from the river swept across my face.

In spite of all my cares, which I know will come, this is how I’m to walk.

Lord, I pray I’ll spend life’s moments walking along the river with you. I know they’re things I’m to-do, but I also know you never intended for me to tackle life’s problems alone. You who are at work in me to will and to do according to your good pleasure. I’m to trust you, walk with you, speak your words and love others in your strength. This is my prayer. Please keep me walking with you, relying upon you and you alone for every breath. Show me quickly whenever I try and do life without you.  Amen.

Challenge: What do you have right this moment that needs to be thrown in the River?

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. Psalm 46:4

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.

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 Novels by the Author:

What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?  Beyond Time

By finding two undelivered letters in a old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family Hope Remains