By
Dana Rausch
/ April 21, 2015
Last night I had a dream I was on vacation in a second story condo atop a hill. Don and I have our daughter and her friend with us, along with our oldest granddaughter and baby grandson.
With the baby on my hip, I walk into the master bedroom. We have been here for a few days but out of the corner of my eye a small opening in the curtains shows a lake outside! I am excited because I didn’t realize we were on water front property.
As I move to the sliding glass door to peer out, I say to Don, “Are we near water?”
I open the curtains, yet it was the city we were overlooking.
However when we glance down we see water. It’s rushing from the north to the south on the property and pools into a lake down below. The moving water also continues to the edge of the cliff and flows over.Don and I go out to investigate and he attempts to explain what is happening to the structure as the water pounds against it. Not understanding, he then warns the building is going to crumble and we need to get out. There is a flood occurring.
Anxious now, we run back in and tell everyone to pack their bags quick. They don’t understand the seriousness and are taking their time. As I am trying to grab my things, the baby begins crying. Sensing tension, he is confused and fear sets in. I scoop him up and continue to gather my belongings.
Simultaneously, I panic that we can’t get out in time. What about our neighbors? Should we warn them? Should we help them?
And I wake up……
I laid still, reeling in dread and fear. My heart continued to race for a few minutes.
I was thankful it wasn’t my reality but only a dream.
Yet as I became honest with myself, I realized that at times that is how I view my life.The torrential pounding of demands and the erosion of stability has shaken my foundation. Never certain of what another day holds for me. Will my family be safe or will we endure more loss? Will we survive or will I drown?
I have a choice right then.
Wallow in what if’s and let fear do its damage and focus on the negative.
Or I can adjust that focus on what I have and who I am and be grateful.
Isaiah 33:6 says, “In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.”
Isaiah 35:4 says, “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.’”Isaiah 43:1-3 says, “But now this is what the Lord says, he who created you Dana, he who formed you, Dana. Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…..For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…..”
· I have a sure foundation.
· I am offered salvation.
· God will be there for me.
· I am redeemed.
· I am called by God.
· When I pass through waters – denotes I will go through turbulent times.
· But God will be with me.
· I will not drown in my circumstances.
· God is my Savior.
In the light of God’s Word, my perspective changed. I have much more to be thankful for than fearful of. Everyone faces challenges. And WE make the choice to wallow or adjust.
How about you?
Do you need to change your view?
