I’ve been dealing with growing anxiety for a while, now, and there have been days when I have felt like I can’t carry myself. I have been in need of someone to come along side and pick me up. But how does one ask for that? I don’t remember ever feeling this kind of desperation.  

Over my Christmas break, I asked the Lord to lay me on someone’s heart and call them to stand in the gap for me—to intercede for me. He did just that! A long time friend who lives far away from me contacted me soon after I prayed my prayer. She told me she was praying for me and felt to share encouragement. She has been texting me every day for two weeks sharing what the Lord has asked her to share. I have no words to describe how what my friend is doing is making a difference for me. I have never experienced anything like this. 

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” ~Psalm 139:1-6, ESV 

These scriptures I have included above are part of the encouragement I received from my friend. Interestingly, this is consistent with what the Lord has already been saying to me.

The part that says “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me” shouts at me. It means to be surrounded with no way of escape. I cannot describe the isolation I have felt concerning my anxiety, and I have cried out to God about my aloneness. These words of David clarify to me how impossible it is for me to be alone, even when I feel like I am.

God has hemmed me in. He has placed His hand on my head. I cannot escape Him. I am never alone!

Neither are you!