Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12:2-6 (NIV)
I mentioned in an earlier post the doctor gave me some medication for anxiety, but I did not fill it and instead substituted prayer and Bible reading to calm my worried mind. I didn’t mean to imply that I don’t believe Christians or anyone for that matter should take medication if they need it. On the contrary, I believe that God gave doctors and researchers the wisdom to create the medicines that heal us both physically and mentally. However, I can’t take much medication without suffering from lots of side effects. When I was a teen and had my wisdom teeth removed, I saw mailboxes flying around the room and tried to join the army. When our first son was born by unplanned cesarean section, it was three days before I woke up enough to see him. When I started into perimenopause and the doctor gave me hormone therapy, it made me MEAN. I just can’t take very much medicine, pain, anxiety or otherwise. So, don’t take me as being holier than thou if you have filled and take a prescription medication. I am just looking out for my own (and my family’s own) best interests by finding alternative therapies. One of the ways I bring peace into my stressful life is through prayer, specifically meditating on the names of God. I have a great book by Ann Spangler called, “Praying the Names of God: A Daily Journal.” http://www.amazon.com/Praying-Names-God-Daily-Guide/dp/0310253535 Over half a year, Spangler takes the reader through twenty-six of the names of God. I keep a list of the names which helps me to keep my mind focused on Who God is and how He has worked in the world, and more importantly will work in mine. For example: I think of Elohim which means “God, Mighty Creator,” and remember how God made the world and everything in it. That means me and also the ones I love. I remember how He made me just exactly as I am, that I don’t have to try to be someone else. That God loves me as I am. I remember that He made my loved ones, particularly my husband and sons to be just as they are. That He put them into my family with me for a reason and that even the things that they do that worry or annoy me are part of God’s plan. It helps me to put everything into context, to let go of my worries or fears and remember that the Creator of the Universe also holds me and my family in the palm of His Hand. The One who puts the stars in the Heavens, knows every cell, every thought, every need of my body. When I want to bring clarity to my prayers, I begin by worshipping God and listing His Names each one drawing me closer to understanding I have nothing to fear and only need to trust in Who He is. Why don’t you give it a try, too? Here’s Spangler’s list:
Elohim: God, Mighty Creator
El Roi: The God Who See Me
El Shadday: God Almighty
El Olam: The Everlasting God or The Eternal God
Yahweh Yireh: The Lord Will Provide
Yahweh: Lord
Adonay: Lord, Master
Yahweh Rophe: The Lord Who Heals
Yahweh Nissi: The Lord My Banner
Esh Oklah, El Kanna: Consuming Fire, Jealous God
Qedosh Yisrael; Holy One of Isral
Yahweh Shalom: The Lord is Peace
Yahweh Tsebaoth: The Lord of Hosts
Yahweh Tsuri: The Lord My Rock
Yahweh Roi: The Lord is My Shepherd
Hashem: The Name
Melek: King
Ish: Husband
El Chay: Living God
Maon, Machseh, Magen, Metsuda, Migdal-Oz: Dwelling Pace, Refuse, Shield, Fortress, Strong Tower
Shophet: Judge
Miqweh Yisreal: Hope of Isreal
Yahweh Tsidqenu: The Lord Our Righteousness
El Elyon: God Most High
Yahweh Shammah: The Lord Is There
Ab, Abba, Pater: Father
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