I was lying on the couch, my whole body shaking with uncontrollable tremors, I just kept praying the same prayer over and over. At one of the most alarming times of my life, I felt immobilized.

Now, when alarming times come, history with the Lord provides prospective. Trusting He knows more than I do helps steady my breathing. And my prayers can actually be purposeful. I certainly still have moments of fright and will never perfectly turn my cares over as I should. Yet, when I do follow through, the peace that passes all understanding is lying in the arms of my Savior while trusting His grip on the situation and NOT MINE.

Committing to a favorite Scripture reference has never been my thing (I like too many. Just like not being able to commit to a favorite color). But Proverbs 3:5 seems like it was written just for me 😉 —“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart” and never lean on your understanding of a situation. And then I shout: “Be anxious for NOTHING, But instead, Pray with thanksgiving in your heart” – I start reminding myself of how the Lord has already proven Himself faithful to me, and all the things I’m thankful for, and then, like He promises (v.7), God’s peace covers me (Philippians 4:6&7) with a supernatural calmness. You try it next time you have cause for worry or fear. Whatever we must get through in this life we have a stronghold that can’t be shaken!

If you haven’t memorized Proverbs 3:5, you just might want to put that on your to-do list. And you might as well add Philippians 4:6-7. For a real challenge you can memorize Psalm 62. Here’s a taste [NASB]:

¹My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation, ²He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. ⁵My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. ⁶He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. ⁷On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. ⁸Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. ¹¹Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;  

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him,” and then shout out the many ways He has been your salvation in times past!

Remember what Judah was facing in 2 Chronicles 20?

“A great multitude is coming against you [Judah] . . . Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD . . . the battle is not yours but God’s. . . stand and see the salvation of the Lord . . . put your trust in the LORD your God . . . When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes . . . When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. . . And they were three days taking the spoil because there was so much. . . they blessed the LORD.”

That day, so long ago, when I laid on my couch with uncontrollable tremors because of an alarming situation, is a memorial to me of what God can do, and what He did do through my prayer despite my lack of trusting. Don’t be shaken! Shout thanksgiving to the Lord, trust His holy Name and watch the tremors roll away!