View From The ER Parking Lot

Psalms 56:3-4 (ESV)
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

This iPainting above, was done at a very scary time, in an unusual location. It’s called the view from an ER parking lot, because that’s where I was when I had painted. My wife was inside, with complications from surgery, and because of our times, I couldn’t be with her.

After prayer, I occupied myself with this. It helped, not only pass time, but calm my nerves. I couldn’t be where I wanted to be, I had to trust in God, and those He had given understanding too, to help my wife. I focused on getting shapes right, and patterns.

There are times in our live, we all feel helpless. Whether it’s sickness, financial problems, or uncertainty. It can be terrifying, but it can also be a time where you step into a peace that only God can grant.

This doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared about my Wife. It means that when I am afraid I will trust in God. The next verse, the same man who feared said, in God I trust, I shall not be afraid. His peace doesn’t leave us when we’re afraid, it wraps us like a Father in His arms.

Only God, and all of our loved ones that He used through this time could have brought us through. We left that parking lot, there were two ER trips, and a visit to the surgeon, but we left. We’re safely, and happily home. She’s recovering, and I’ll probably never see that red car again.

However I’ll have a memento, not of the fear, but the favor of God. They were called landmarks years ago. Reminders of God’s blessings, which stayed there the next time a storm happened. It’s easier to get through a storm, when you’ve been through a storm.

So when you’re scared, like I was, let me suggest something. When you’re afraid those you love are in danger, let me offer a hope. First, pray to The God of peace, for peace. Then make a landmark, reminding you, He brought me this far, He will take us the rest of the way. When the time is over, you’ll turn the key, and you’ll drive home. If you paint a mental picture, you’ll have a landmark for the next trial.