Modern life can feel dangerous and unstable.~Julia Cameron (From Transitions)

I peered out my window, the sky like gray cashmere. My mind raced with all I needed to do in the week ahead, the patients on my caseload that I had no answers for--my own future that felt shaky and obscure. Inhospitable, if I factored in all the unknowns. I reached for a teabag, Sweet Clementine Stress Support. Maybe the citrus tang would help reduce my anxiety. I recognized where I was once again--anchored in murky, fear-drenched waters. I needed to pull up anchor and head for more lambent shores. 

Over the last months, several Psalms emerged that have supported me in replacing layers of fear with layers of peace. I would practice a coping tool I've used in the past--have used here in my posts. Write a "crafted prayer" taken from Scripture that contains personal promises. The idea is taken from Graham Cooke, a teacher I consistently listen to online.

I took out my notebook and opened my Bible to the Psalms. It was as if I'd begun to row toward the light and away from a melancholy territory...

Thank you, Lord, that to me you are like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress, my mountain of hiding,

my pathway of escape, my secret strength and shield around me.

Thank you that you take me out of my calamity and chaos and draw me to yourself.

Thank you that your love breaks open a way and brings me into a beautiful broad place.

Thank you that you escort me along the way, taking me by the hand and teaching me.

Thank you that your perfection and faithfulness are my bodyguards--that you are my hope, my only protection.

Thank you that your mercy-seat love is limitless--that I find a hiding place

under the shadow of your wings.

Thank you that to know you is to experience a flowing fountain, drinking in your life, springing up to satisfy.

Thank you that in your light I receive the light of revelation.

Thank you that I can feast on your faithfulness.

Thank you that you help me to keep hope alive in my heart.

Thank you for your abundant peace.

Thank you that I can come to your grace-fountain so that your strength becomes mine.

(These promises surfaced from Psalms 18, 25, 36, 37 and 86 from The Passion Translation)

Today if you are feeling unsettled, worried or uncertain, use this prayer, if you wish, to declare God's promises over your life. Or craft one of your own. He is good and welcomes us to anchor down into His lambent seas.