I recently awoke with a cloud hanging over my head. Ever had one of those days? You know, nothing is really different in your life and circumstances than the day before but your outlook today is dismal. That's how I felt as I awoke and all the little nagging concerns over a myriad of issues began to grow and threatened to blow my faith to bits.

I prayed, I asked for the Spirit, I read scripture, but the nagging feeling of despair remained. I talked to myself and rehearsed truth about hoping in God, not being anxious, resting in the gospel and God's care for me and control over all things. I struggled towards God and left my concerns with God and trusted my feelings to God. Honestly, not a whole lot of change came over my emotions. I didn't suddenly feel a burst of joy but I did hear some whispers...

"I am with you always even unto the end of the age."

"I have redeemed you and called you by name."

" I have loved you with an everlasting love."

" With me nothing is impossible."

"Why do downcast O my soul? Put your hope in God!"

"Quiet your heart Joy before the sovereign, good, loving God of the universe who is intimately acquainted with you."

Why would he care for me...one who is prone to wander, faithless, timid, and fearful? Well, mystery of mysteries - He does!

Can I cast my all my cares upon him (1 Peter 5:7)? Yes, he bids me to! So I did, and even though I didn't feel a lot better I went on to, "do the next thing."

At the end of the day I realized that in the doing of the next thing and leaving my cares with Jesus, my emotions had gradually changed. I went to bed peaceful and content.

Our kind and loving Father cares for us and is always at work even when we don't see it. He is worth struggling through our emotions to rest in Him. Fighting looks like resting and it looks like pressing on in His direction. While we do, we keep in mind always that we are loved and accepted before the Father because our Savior Jesus humbled himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:8) to purchase our freedom (Gal. 5:1). We fight, yes, but only because he fought and won!