My response was visceral. My heart dropped into my gut. Six missed calls and five new voicemails in the span of twenty minutes, more than I usually have in a week. The missed call from my daughter and voicemail from my mother were not unusual. But four voicemails from my husband? To say that is highly unusual would be an understatement.

Psalm 112:7, “They will have no fear of bad news, their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” NIV

UNSTEADFAST

I knew he was in a meeting. My fingers trembled as I struggled to tap the play button. By the time I listened to the third extended blank message, it dawned on me. Last night, I misplaced my phone and asked him to call my number so I could locate it.  Four times he called, until I finally found it in the bedroom closet.

Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength, I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” MSG

FIRM GRIP

When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in my eyes, I knew it would likely generalize. Statistically, the chance ocular myasthenia will progress is eighty-five percent. I told my doctor it would be a devastating diagnosis for me. But this verse from Isaiah showed up everywhere, “DON’T PANIC.” I taped it to my bathroom mirror and guess what? I quit panicking. That is until six missed calls and four new voicemails appeared on my phone. But hey, I only panicked for a minute. I knew exactly what to do about it.

John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” HCSB

HERE IS THE BAD NEWS

The message very well could have been bad news.  In fact, it could have been devastating news. Tragedy is never more than one phone call away. But the Bible tells us not to panic. God never promises our lives won’t be turned upside down, in fact, the truth is He prepares us for inevitable trouble and suffering. His promise is to hold us steady and keep a firm grip on us.

Hebrews 13:5,”Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” NKJV

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS

He won’t leave us. He won’t forsake us. Death, disease and discord are part of life on planet earth. None of us escape. But if we know Jesus, we never have to face our troubles alone. He promises to be with us. I can tell you from experience, His presence is worth everything. It has been my lifeline and I am not devastated by this disease. It is comforting to know:

God is already present in our tomorrow. He knows what the future brings. Click To Tweet

Isaiah 43:2-3,”When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God.” NASB

When, not if. Trials will come. He knows before they happen and we can be comforted by that.

I don’t know what is going to happen today or tomorrow and neither do you. But, it is pretty silly to get worked up about a few missed calls. I know whatever happens tomorrow, God is already there and He is never caught off guard.

Walk with Him before trials come. Plant His word deep in your heart, then you will have no need to fear bad news. His grip is firm.

If you tend to panic, memorize the verses in the post. Better yet, share your own.