When our son, Ted, was six years old, he was intrigued with the Bible story of Peter walking on water. With childlike faith he headed for the irrigation ditch to give it a try. But born in the space-age Ted knew something about backup systems. He wore his galoshes.

When Ted became a man he told me of his little trip to the ditch and how hard it was on his faith. I’m glad to see him as a grown man, along with his brothers, faithfully “walking on waters” in a spiritual sense. I wonder how Peter must have felt. Under the best of circumstances—in the physical presence of Jesus—his faith moved right out from underneath him.

The trials we face day-by-day are not the same choppy waters that Peter tried to master, but the test is the same. Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the circumstance. It was doubt and fear that flooded out his faith. The question is, how to keep our eyes on the master when the storms are raging? How do we have faith when the “waves” are high and mighty?

First, what is faith? It is having “confidence in what we hope for and assurance of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1).

This means faith is holding fast to something even before we see it happening—mentally picturing our answer and saying “thank you” although it is not yet a fact. Faith is all wrapped up in what’s holy, and although challenging, it is wholly obtainable.

So, where do we get faith? (Romans 10:17), tells us it comes from “hearing what is preached from the word of God.”

Through faith we move within a storm to a place of peace, on top of the “waters” waiting the storm out.

Unfortunately, we don’t always do that. We get stressed up, toss and turn in the night and sometimes get an ulcer. Then, just as the Master reached out and saved Peter before he sank into the dark waters, our Lord rescues us. But not before we uttered Peter’s cry, “Lord, save me.” Our Lord knows we are weak—and he loves us within our struggles.

The Psalmist knew what it was like to be nearly overwhelmed by the waters of affliction as he wrote: “all your waves and billows are gone over me.” Yet, said, “He brought me up also out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock and established my steps,” (Psalms 40:2).

Could it be that we have one foot on the rock and the other on shifting sands? Is this why some of us are experiencing “the pits?”

Faith brings new vision. Vision without the limitations of physical sight allows us to see beyond the storm of the moment. The apostle Paul intended this when he admonished us to “walk in the spirit.”

Strangely enough, it is often the little things that ripple the waters of life. Thoughtless words and actions trip us up. So often it is our pride that hurts the most. But it is false pride that says we “cannot make mistakes.”

Clarence J. Enzler wrote in My Other Self, “Should your imperfections momentarily gain the upper hand, you do well to be displeased at your fault . . . . When you allow yourself to be dejected over your involuntary faults, it is because you think you are better than you really are. And once you allow your imperfections to upset you, you are likely to find yourself in a sharp tongue, irritable mood in all that you do.”

I believe God has faith, too. Faith in us. Instead of seeing us as we are now, He sees us as we will be when His work is finished in us. We must have faith in ourselves, too, knowing that he is working with his best tools at the safest speed to bring us into what He would like us to be. God does not get frustrated with us. Instead, he is there to help us when we want to bail out on ourselves.

It will take a lifetime to overcome each and every innate weakness. Yet each time we succeed in resisting the temptation to go our own way we are stronger for the next go-around and each time we keep our eyes on the Master in the middle of the storm, faith grows.

There seems to be a powerful inner aversion to loving and appreciating ourselves, at least for many of us.

We wrap ourselves up in “Almighty Work” with goals for owning lovely homes, impressive cars, garments of every shape and color. This is all well and good, as long as the work itself and what we are able to produce through it, are not perceived to be the measure of our worth.

True celebration of what could offer heartfelt, memorable moments is robbed of its glory, as most often work wins out. Who has not felt an edge of guilt while sitting with a treasured book? After all, the yard needs work and floors beg cleaning.

Yet, life can become monotonous if we  don’t recognize the definite need for making sure there is time to enjoy and savor the fruits of our labors—alongside clocking in at work, plus cleaning pots and pans and doing the laundry, while training energized children!

Always, there will be the inevitable surprises of life. Having a balanced life makes us better prepared for these when they come.

Loving ourselves means taking time out to simply enjoy the gift of human “beingness.” Like taking an hour to read a novel—or even 15 minutes to simply think about good memories . . . playing with the children, or the dog . . . take a walk or run through the park. . . have a meaningful conversation . . . or write a loving letter to a close friend. These are a few poignant ways for reviving the spirit. It just takes loving oneself enough to grant these little leisures.

Then, what of the Sabbath day of rest we are called to set aside for restful wholeness? Have you ever noticed how many promises are extended for those who obey this Biblical commandment? It seems to be a direct criterion for good health and happiness, yet so often is ignored. We wonder why our hearts skip beats, flutter amiss or give up early. Could it be that we are failing to give ourselves essential time for restoration?

Charles E. Cowman, author of the devotional titled Streams in the Desert, wrote, “There is no music in the rest, but there is the making of music in the rest.” What would it be like if instruments in the orchestra sounded with every beat? No doubt discomfort or anxiety would see us walking out before the performance ends.

Could it be prideful attitudes, thinking we are indestructible and indispensable, or lack of trust in the “Conductor” that keeps us from following undisputable directives? Or, a rebellious attitude . . . “I’ll play it my way.”

God loved us so much He gave commands to keep us from running amok. It is actually good self-love when we keep them. However, life without respect for God’s directives brings brokenness, deficits, regrets and guilt! We all are in the same drum kettle. We want to make beautiful music with our lives. Doing so means we must practice good self-care by taking time to listen for what is taking place in our souls.

Being one’s own best friend means we won’t believe the worst about ourselves just because it is easiest. Instead we will weed out those harsh, chastising, guilt-ridden messages that can be prevalent—the negative self-talk—and speak up for our own solid goodness. After all, we are children of God. And, “God don’t make junk,” as one fine author states it.

When we truly begin to get a sense of our own goodness, instead of becoming self-centered (as is easily feared) that love moves outward, evidenced by a strengthened capacity for more earnestly caring about others and even the whole world.

I will never forget a day while driving down McCulloch Avenue, when a thought made a quantum leap into my consciousness. In a momentary awakening, the usual “me first” attitude is replaced by an indescribable sense of oneness. For several moments it seems we all are moving to the beat of One Heart.

I was flooded with the deepest sense of caring never experienced before–an intense desire for all of us to arrive on time, whatever the place or the cause, filled my thoughts. Since then, a truth is becoming apparent: The more I love myself, the more capacity there is to love others. Was Jesus trying to tell us this when He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself?”

What if we do the ultimate, by becoming more in tune with “the Director,” intent on following what He called “the first command, “you shall love the Lord our God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,” Mark 12:20. A love and appreciation of self (and others) could flow, even on McCulloch! Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Gary and I experienced a surprising happenstance while on vacation years back. We still can stop to savor it. We were hiking in Ecola Park, at Cannon Beach, Oregon, when we passed an older man on the trail. He asked Gary, “Do you have the time, Sir?” Both of us looked at our watches as Gary gave him the time.

That proved to be the beginning of an astounding encounter. As it happened, this man turned out to be anything but ordinary. He was elderly, appearing to be a little unkempt but fit enough to take to the trail.  It was his spirit that took us by surprise.

Conversation sparked and some of his words still come to mind even as years have passed. Without mentioning God, this man told us much about Him, inadvertently answering questions I had sorely pondered.

Tears surfaced when the “old man of the trail” spoke of how joy is to be at the bottom of all we do—that “fun” is at the base of the word “function”—and how we can go as far as we want to go, see as much as we want to see and experience as much as we want to experience while riding through life on the crest of joy.

As if talking was not enough, the man asked, “May I sing?” We were happy to let him. He began singing in a different language. Then he sang in English to the same melody, now stretching out his hands as if to include nature. It was a phenomenal experience right there at the edge of the Pacific Ocean!

I began to wonder if he were a real person or perhaps an angel; were we being “entertained unawares,” as Scripture speaks of happening with humans at times?

So, I questioned him, “What is your field or profession?”

“Psychopharmacology,” he answered. “The study of the effect drugs have on the human mind.”

He had been a teacher at a medical school in Portland. No doubt now retired. But ever so alive!

We remained spell-bound for half an hour, during which neither Gary nor I spoke more than two or three sentences. It was as if we had nothing to say of importance in the light of what was pouring out of this man’s copious heart.

As we parted, we spontaneously hugged the “stranger.” Throughout the day Gary and I returned to his words, knowing that God had touched us powerfully through them. It was fun to muse inwardly of how this guy could possibly have been an angel sent to us on the trail. Yet, surely it is even more spectacular that God could use one human being to touch and bless the lives of two others, who are absolute strangers—so soundly in such a short span of time. That was the “miracle.”

The second little miracle was that we gave him “the time of day.” And, that he had stopped us and asked for it! 

We pondered a lot that day. We could see how all of us on earth can be a blessing to others. It takes being willing to “stick our necks out,” rather than to live encased in ourselves and our “immediates.”  

It does take time to perchance enrich another, even if briefly. And, it takes daring to see God in all those we meet, realizing these moments as “Divine Appointments.” How different would life be, if only we could ride the waves of life experiencing more serendipitous moments!

Solomon’s words says it best in Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine,”

Think of life as “riding the waves,” experiencing the “fun” in the midst of our “functions.” Laughter is a major pleasure that we can enjoy daily right at home, relieving much of our pent up tensions. Watch for it, as opportunities abound.

Here’s one that happened while working on a column for Today’s Herald-News in January: I intended to write, “Have you noticed how good it feels to sing, whistle, hum and enjoy music?” However, I inadvertently left the “g” off the word “sing.” When Gary, my excellent first-line editor, caught this faux pas we laughed—big time!  I quickly added the “g,” so the word could read “sing” instead of “sin.” That was close.

We are funny little creatures, as humans. Laughing at ourselves helps us stay sane! It is like medicine to our soul . . . helping us surf through life with excitement!

Did you know that positive thinking positively changes the chemistry of our bodies? We learn about this through a field of medicine called psychoneuroimmunology*, an aspect of medicine that deals with what is taking place in the mind, the will, and the emotions of a person.

This long word indicates that everything that goes on in our psyches affects our neurological system, our immune system, and our endocrine system. Later, the scientists found the hormonal system is also affected either positively or negatively by our thoughts. That is why the asterisk is added. Apparently, making the word any longer than psychoneuroimmunology wasn’t advisable.

The body is equipped with amazing intelligence. It is continuously at work fostering stability, balance and healing within our many organs, systems and tissues. Yet, we can disrupt that process, simply through the way we think. Fear, anxiety, negativity are three major culprits. Yet, perhaps the worst are bitterness, hatred, and thoughts of revenge. Unhealthy thoughts are for sure enemies of good health.

Other enemies to our good health are more familiar, like poor eating habits, not getting enough rest, smoking, heavy drinking and taking drugs other than those prescribed by doctors. These are things we can do something about. Yet, the hardest of all may well be controlling our thoughts.

In my work, it is evident that a large percentage of people are giving minimal thought of the very large role spirituality plays in wholeness. Truly, the soul is most wholesome when we have a concept of who we are, what our gifts are and why being here on the globe matters.

The happiest people on earth are not those with clever jokes, entertaining us—or the people with “ a lotta money.” No, the happiest people on earth have discovered a life that is meaningful, one that holds purpose. They most often are those who have concluded “there is a God”— One who loves them through and through . . . the One who has allowed this experience of life. Great enjoyment comes in finding God is present to us.

Last week’s column held remarkable scientific facts indicating that we are built to enjoy this life. Yet, many do not.  Rather, they are simply trying to numb out with alcohol and/or opioids hoping to escape how bad they feel. Not only do 200 people die daily from overdose in the US, now—but our suicide rate is without a doubt climbing.

It is always good to look closely at this truth: We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Believing we are humans here to do whatever bangs our shutters, gets us into major trouble.

Within my 25 years of doing mental health counseling, I ask within the first session, “Why do you think we are here?” Some don’t even want to think about that question. A few say, “I don’t know.” But, mostly I am given an answer that rings amazingly true for the majority. After giving it some thought, most say, “We are here to help others.” Or, “We are here to learn.” They come for help when their lives are upside down, but, while thinking deeply and looking inward, they innately know what life is really, truly about.

Take the word “psychoneuroimmunology.” It is the study of the connection between the psyche and the extent it can affect the very cells and juices of our bodies. The word “psyche” is synonymous with the word “soul.” This may clarify why our beliefs, thoughts and emotions play a significant role in our body’s ability to stay well. In my studies, I discovered a seldom realized precept: Feelings follow thoughts. So, when you feel rotten, ask yourself, “WHAT WAS I THINKING!”

Holy Writ supports wholesome thinking throughout. Philippians 4:8-9, gives the nutshell version, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Medical doctors can do wonderful things for us when we get sick. But when it comes to thoughts and emotions—we are in control. We hold the power to take dominion over what can rob us of one of the greatest pursuits of life: good health!

Last August, our youngest son had open heart surgery. In view of other serious health problems, I tried to prepare myself, should he not survive. I feared my own heart would cave in if the news any parent fears should need to be heard.

“He has so much more life to live; please God intervene,” was my prayer. As Gary and I waited long hours, it was as if I could barely breathe or think. Then from deep within, I heard, “I am here with you.’” Strength, comfort and fresh hope arose. Rejoicing came with the doctor’s report, “Two bypasses—and His heart is pumping on its own.” We were assured the next few days would be “ify.” But, happily, our son is with us today!

Many of us have known times of feeling like we are about to “cave in,” yet were given an inner sense of not being here on the globe alone. Rather, we felt joined by the Almighty One, who is fully able to make “the necessary happen.” And, God alone knows what that is.

Are you noticing how each time we go through a trial, we come out stronger? Oswald Chambers put it this way, “The trial of our faith gives us a good banking account in the heavenly places, and when the next trial comes our wealth there will tide us over. If we have confidence in God beyond the actual . . . we shall see the lie at the heart of the fear, and our faith will win through in every detail.”

That heavenly bank account does at times seem way too small. Still, there is always enough for what is needed—if we hold steady and pray our way through. Jesus has told us to “pray always.” This way, we can stop short of panicking.

All of the above is about growing spiritual muscle, which is something we do not get by curling up in the corner fretting in fear of losses. It comes in exercising our faith, thrusting it over and over into the face of our fears.

Doing battle with fear is not easy as fear is an awesome boxer. Especially when our tendencies lean toward, “seeing is believing.” So, when we “do not” see signs of getting what we hope for, and when the odds seem entirely against us, it is easy to start losing our footing.

This battle is common to us all, but especially so when our children are involved. Countless times, while raising three sons, I have taken a troubling matter to God, while visualizing the act of putting the situation “on the altar.” (Remember Abraham’s great moment of putting his son there?) Then, I renege. My mind never seems to stop its efforts to “figure it all out.” I slip into varied mental gyrations. Waiting patiently gets passed by with my intense desire to “do something to fix it” more quickly. Waiting on God might take too long, right?

Spiritual battles call for growth. Persistence is gained as we work our way through them. There are times when it seems our backs are against the ropes and we find ourselves hanging on with all our might. With battered emotions, we remember to call on God. We may even recall a Scripture like, “Lo, I am with you always.” Strength comes! We stop gasping for breath and face up to that “old’ enemy in the ring.” Placing our trust afresh in the Lord strengthens our resolve and provides a “second wind.”

It is through winning the battle over fear that we truly are able to live on a higher level of reality. While in those tight and fearsome places we learn to look beyond actualities, and stay focused on the powerful truths of Scripture that bolster our faith—like, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid or dismayed. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

Jesus arose from sleep and called for all to calm down, putting a stop to their alarm.

He said, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26).

How fortunate we are to have a Master who is greater than whoever is going to lead this country. It is the Lord God. The Good News of Jesus tells us there is a higher kingdom than what is here on earth. What’s of great importance is the fact we are God’s elect.

We did what American democracy expects: We cast our votes indicating our choice to select or re-elect a President. Now, we have storm clouds galore—and God alone knows how long it will take before these will roll away. But roll away, they will!

Meanwhile, whether we are Democrat or Republican, the right thing to do is to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33). That is our promise.

When campaign results set off alarms about future governance we must do all we can to put fears aside and keep level heads. Beyond that, we must take the be-all and end-all to God in prayer and know He has heard.

Once we have set to rest all we can, it makes sense to “let go and let God.” Honoring His Word:

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth . . . . And let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . and be thankful,” (Colossians 3: 2 and 15).

Planted within each of us is conscience. Perhaps the greatest part of one’s being is “conscience.” For those whose consciences are not “seared,” we hear that inner voice. That voice that guides us as to what is right and what is wrong.

In the midst of the storm, Jesus is always “in the boat.” And, He knows what’s going on. As we draw closer to Him, and ask for His help, the Lord can calm the inner storm that can be felt so heavily.

There are questions for each and every one of us to address: First, “What does God want to do through me in this life?” And, “What does God want for our country?” We can prayerfully discern responses to these two questions. What comes from the depths of our hearts will be true for each.

For sure, we must speak—respectfully—as participants in the governing of our country, regardless of who has won the election, and regardless of our party affiliations. Who isn’t guilty of not having done that enough? What we dare not do is to allow our leaders, whether Democrat or Republican, to make laws without hearing what comes from our consciences as Christians.

From the roots of the land, let’s find our voices and speak up, praising God for the freedom to do so. Going forward, let’s communicate what we want to see happen in this country while being grateful and prayerful. Let’s not forget that Scripture tells us to intercede in prayer “. . . for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” By our behavior at a time like this, we can exhibit the knowledge of God’s truth.

Yes, at times, retaining the reins or relinquishing the reins of governance is not easily achieved. But we can do hard things. In America, it is our right and privilege to speak up, respectfully sharing ideas and proposals. Party leaders do listen. They know that soon enough they, too, will need votes in order to stay in office. When enough people speak up, we plant seeds on fertile ground. Politicians stand on ground depended on “people support.” We are not enemies; we are fellow Americans.

Disappointments and frustrations are part and partial to getting through this life. But, let’s set aside judgements, roll up our sleeves and see what our hearts lead us to do.

And, living “by the Book” finds us reading it perpetually!

I was told I may die during or after the surgery. Or, if I survived my legs could turn blue and large like old fashion piano legs. As a mother of three teenage sons, ages 13, 15 and 17, I decided the surgery was my only option. For years, my blood had been thinned by taking Coumadin, or Heparin to control clotting episodes. Now, I had three days to wait for my blood to be thick enough for surgery. The question was would I live three more days.

My Christian faith was strong. I knew if I died heaven would be my next destination. Strangely, what I feared was being placed in a grave. Through my years of dealing with pulmonary emboli (clots in lungs) I had prayed, “God, please don’t let me die during the winter.” I knew the climate where we lived would mean being buried in a cold grave, topped with snow.

During the three days of waiting for the surgery, I had a vision. I saw a dark, heavy-tempered gate with the word “DEATH” at its top. I was afraid, trembling in my bed. But, then I could suddenly see the opposite side of that gate. It was a great and glorious pearl from heaven’s side. A “little girl” danced up to the opening and said, “Just step across!” She looked with a great smile and beckoned me, saying, “It is just one step.” Although she coached me several times, I could not take that step. But, this vision ended my fear of the grave. I realized I was not my body and that I will have only to move through the gate when death came.

I did survive the life-saving surgery and recovered. One day while driving my car, I suddenly saw a part of that vision, once again, and immediately realized something about the little girl. It was as if I was being divinely told, “That is your daughter”—and I instantly knew that this is true. Years earlier, I had a miscarriage between my first and second sons. Nearly three decades had passed when my heart prompted me to receive the truth:  The vision had allowed the little girl I wanted, yet could not hold in my womb, to minister to me that night when I was so close to death.

From then on, I knew even more surely there is a heaven—and this precious little girl is waiting for me to “cross over.”

The beautiful part is that I was given many more years, as the surgery was highly successful. I lived to raise my family and to enjoy a long, loving relationship with my dear husband, Gary Smith.

I am now getting close to the time when people normally die. I know death is coming, yet I have no fear at all. It’s like knowing a trip is around the corner. However, on this trip I cannot take anything with me, not even the costly crowns on my teeth. So, I pray to do all possible to become all that God knew I could be when He first saw me conceived. I also believe none of us get to be entirely finished—totally ready to meet our Maker. We have flawed natures, which most likely we will be trying to conquer when we draw our last breath.

The wonderful news is that the Lord Jesus has forgiven our sins. Upon repentance of them, we are washed to the core—cleansed, ready for eternity.

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,  who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain, mental health counselor and author of four books.  Comment below, if you wish.

As regards the last two categories, three people whom I know well, felt free to tell exactly how they felt. One said, “I’m afraid to get very involved with God.” The second friend said, “God doesn’t answer my prayers. So why should I pray?”

The third said, “I pray, but I don’t listen for God to answer back. He might ask something or me that I’m not ready to do.”

Apparently a great number of people are either frustrated with prayer or have some fear about giving much of themselves to it.

Stop for a moment and ask yourself, is my prayer life as rewarding as I want it to be? Perhaps your answer is “yes.”  If so, I admire you. Personally, I spent a lot of my life during which prayer presented a dichotomy. On the one hand it brought hope, strength, peace and an awesome awareness of being loved. But on the other hand the mere thought of the word could bring frustration, guilt, anger and even fear.

Frustration came with feeling like a simpleton when trying to express myself to a holy, awesome God. It was also frustrating to attempt stilling an active mind—one so undisciplined that in a split second it could be off playing “hop-scotch” with memories or tomorrow’s plans.

Guilt came when I didn’t take time for prayer. Many days started like a shot out of a cannon and moved swiftly forward before landing with a thud on my pillow 16-20 hours later. On those days good resolutions ducked for cover and popped up later, blanketed with guilt.

Anger came at the thought of communicating with God at times when I was derailed by mistakes or needled with imperfections. Pride wanted perfection. And pride when wounded causes havoc.

At times, there was anger in thinking God had failed to hear my prayers. I slammed shut my window to heaven with questions like: “Why didn’t He save that young mother’s life so she could nurture and cherish her children? Why does that father, depressed from walking the streets looking for work, have to carry all that pain in his eyes?” Free will, yes, free will. But I would cry nonetheless, “God, isn’t there something more you can do?”

Upon truly listening, I could hear Him answer: “There is something you can do.” Then, through prayerful listening, I knew what that “something” was.

Perhaps that is another reason why prayer was so frustrating. God often offered challenges, and he has been known to require sacrifice. And my first inclinations are to escape sacrificing. Yet, on those occasions when obedience rules, indescribable joy follows. A joy that can only come in knowing that a sin-prone human heart has linked for a moment with a holy, limitless, loving God.

Little by little the guilt, the frustration, the anger fear and guilt are being absorbed as I step through that open door and find the power of love filling me as I have come to trust His acceptance of me . . . while the fires of life serve to strengthen and refine. The trust factor has escalated, putting the questions to rest.

As with the finding of any treasure, a price has to be paid. It takes a healthy slice of time each day to produce spiritual girth, empowering us to resist temptations and to die to what our fleshly desires lean toward. After the Holy Spirit is allowed to nourish, enrich and transform, His wisdom can be planted in a fallow, fertile heart.

The mind will always fight the discipline of being quiet, waiting and giving up control. But on those occasions when the will yields, the soul takes flight like a homing  pigeon and finds itself at home in the heart of  God. When this happens words could only be a hindrance.

Prayer can be about our needs and our desires. At times it is praise and thanksgiving. Other times, it is intercessions for others. At times prayer is action. Prayer is that wondrous mystery of communing with our Maker. It is restorative and restful, like coming home to rest after a trying, tiring day.

Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain, mental health counselor and author of four books. See her books at www.healing-with-Joy.com or Amazon.com.