09/09/2026
From Pastor Deb
"Calm Down"
On August 19, when Bob and I met with the neurosurgeon, we were surprised when he said I needed surgery right away to fix the herniated disc in my lumbar spine. He showed us the x-rays and the MRI slice-by-slice to explain the severity of the nerve compression. Part of me was relieved that the pain I had been in since April would soon be relieved, and part of me became anxious because this was a major surgery and we only had four days to prepare for an operation that would take 4-6 weeks for initial recovery, and up to a year for the nerves in my right leg to fully recover (hopefully). The next day my anxiety shot up the scale froma phone call with a less than professional and not-at-all empathetic hospital billing representative. The next two days were a scramble to get the financing arranged before the end of the business day on Friday. During those two days, my prayer was Psalm 46:10 “Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God!” CEV
That was exactly what I needed! God did indeed work everything out, in His timing, and in ways that we could not have anticipated.
When we arrived at the hospital on the 24th and waited in the pre-op room, my anxiety started to rise again. Not because of the surgery, but for imagining what the recovery would be like. I am so thankful that Lynda, Karen, and Laura came to be with us, pray with us, and sit with Bob. They brought calm and laughter. When I woke in recovery, surrounded by a team of medical workers, and learned that there had been problems with my blood pressure during surgery which would earn me a night in the ICU, I kept thinking, “My brothers and sisters have prayed, are praying, and will continue to pray. I don’t need to be anxious; I just need to rest in those prayers.” And I did. And I am thankful for all of you!
What is causing you anxiety and worry today? So often we worry about stuff that hasn’t happened yet; our overactive imaginations create tragic assumptions to the question “what if?!” Those things are not true because they have not happened.
“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 CEV
Who is praying for you? Who can ease your burden and carry your concern to your Father so that you can rest in those prayers?
Claim Psalm 46:10 as your declaration of trust in your Loving Heavenly Father who knows everything you need and invites you to rest in His care.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
I’m praying for you,
Pastor Deb
