Anguish

Friday's Word

July 11, 2013
Welcome to Friday's Word! This is my third post where I share one of my journal entries from the previous week as I go through the Bible and meditate on God's Word. In the short time I have been using this method for pondering and savoring scripture I have found the time spent to be highly motivating and encouraging! Already I have felt my bond with my Heavenly Father deepen and I am excited to see and feel new growth in me! This past week, I learned that even when a particular scripture verse isn't one that speaks to my situation on a certain day, there is an incredible richness revealed in the Word as I meditate upon it.  For example, the scripture verse below  is one that concerns going through a fearful trial, but today, as I pondered its meaning while already being in a place of peace, I began to understand it in a new way and was reminded of the times when God comforted me through it.  

Here is my process:
  • Choose a verse and surrounding passage
  • Look it up and read it in at least two versions
  • Read the associated devotional, if applicable (I’m going through the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible 2)
  • Choose a word or phrase that jumps out at you
  • Think, ponder, absorb (take time here)
  • Write out thoughts and ideas regarding the word or scripture
  • Pray
  • Apply
Verse: Psalm 55:4

"My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me."  (NIV)

"My heart pounds in my chest.  The terror of death assaults me."  (NLT)

The Word & My Thoughts: Anguish
  • Misery
  • Fear
  • Depression
  • Terror
  • Hopelessness
  • Sadness
  • Sorrow
  • Confusion
  • Crying out to God
  • Unsure of what to do
  • Helplessness
  • No peace
  • God comforts
My Prayer:

Those are all true, human emotions, Lord.  And, at one time or another, I have felt each one.  I know when I have these feelings I call out to you and you always hear my cries.  you know what is wrong even before I am able to verbalize my anguish.  Thank you for allowing my heart to feel and for always being there to help. With you, my natural fears and emotions are calmed and I am at peace.  In Jesus' name, amen.
16 Comments

16 Comments

  1. DianneJuly 12, 2013

    Beautiful post--thank you--you have created very nice blog also--God bless!

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  2. DebbieJuly 12, 2013

    I love what you're doing Joan! Sometimes it's good to dwell on Scripture and personalize it and live it out.


    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  3. ValJuly 13, 2013

    Great post, beautiful photo

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  4. MiaJuly 13, 2013

    Dear Joan
    Madame Jean Guyon used to say that just as we need to chew food properly to get all the nourishment as well as the taste, we need to "chew" Scripture to really internalize the truths!
    Luv XX
    Mia

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  5. BarbieJuly 14, 2013

    I love this! I should start posting a few of my journal entries from the Word.

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  6. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    Thanks for stopping by, Dianne! Blessings to you!

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  7. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    Thanks, Debbie. I have been truly enjoying this time with Him! Blessings, Joan

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  8. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    Thanks, Val1 :-)

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  9. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    I like that..."chew" scripture. It makes sense to me...to ingest it and then digest it so it gives us the spiritual nourishment we need!

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  10. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    It has also kept me more on track, knowing that each Friday I am going to post one of my journal entries. I can't be lazy now! lol


    Blessings, Joan

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  11. charlotte71July 14, 2013

    So true, Joan, and I'm so glad that our Heavenly Father understands all of these emotions. After all, He gave them to us. Thank you for sharing this encouraging post.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  12. Joan DavisJuly 14, 2013

    Yes, and it is also so encouraging to remember that He hears us no matter what we are feeling!


    Blessings, Joan

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  13. bluecottonmemoryJuly 14, 2013

    I am so glad that He knows we experience these emotions - and that He is our refuge - our champion who saves us:) Thank you for sharing your study - and the the scripture versions - and the sweet prayer of encouragement!

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  14. Joan DavisJuly 15, 2013

    Sometimes these emotions can "sneak" up on me and catch me unaware, but then, when I remember my God has given them to me and understands when I feel certain ways, I am comforted. And, He always sees me through! What a blessing!


    In Him, Joan

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  15. Ann PopJuly 16, 2013

    Hi, Joan. I was reading back a few posts of yours that I had missed, due to my busy schedule lately and read this one. I totally agree with you here, that even when we read a verse that may not apply to us at the moment, God's word is everlasting and if we haven't already seen God using it to encourage us in past days, He may even be preparing us for days to come. So glad you are growing closer to Him through your Scripture reading process!

    Have a blessed week!

    in His L❤ve, Ann

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  16. Joan DavisJuly 17, 2013

    I love that God's word always speaks to us. Sometimes He gives us a word we need right at that very moment, and at other times, He wants us to hold it in our heart for another time. What a blessing that He loves us!

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