Psalm 94:18-19

NASB	NLT	VOICE
18 If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” Your faithfulness, Lord will support me.	18 I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.	18 When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your unfailing love, O Eternal One, held me up.
19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul.	19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.	19 When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many, Your comfort lightens my soul.

Slipping Doesn’t Mean Falling

The imagery of one’s foot slipping reflects moments of vulnerability and instability. In biblical times, this imagery connected to times of falling into sin or facing overwhelming trials. There’s a need shown here, to have assistance and maintain our firm foundation with God. The foundation is based through God’s loving devotion – his mercy, love, and faithfulness. God remains committed to us at all times, even when we are struggling. God is a place of stability and support when everything around us is falling apart. God is actively holding us up and sustaining us through the trials we face. We actively see what that support looks like through Jesus, who promises rest and sustenance to those who come to Him. 

Naming Anxiety So It Doesn’t Name Us

Recognizing when we are slipping or when we are anxious is important. We need to learn how to name these emotions and these instances, so that way they don’t become our identity. It’s easy to fall and stay down when we slip, just as it’s easy to get stuck in an anxious spiral of thoughts. The truth is, through what I’ve learned and experienced, these are reactions to situations that don’t sit right with us. It could be a violation of boundaries, a violation of trust, or a violation of morals. We have a God that walks alongside us through all situations and provides us a strength, guidance, and wisdom 

Anxiety often arises from external threats or internal struggles. The Israelites faced many challenges including invasions, exile, and personal trials, which would have led to feelings of anxiety. The overwhelming nature of anxiety is acknowledged, yet it’s a call to seek divine intervention. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, consolation was often associated with God’s covenant faithfulness and His role as a shepherd to His people. The consolation can be seen as a version of Jesus, who is the ultimate source of comfort and peace for believers. 

Prayer as a Lasso

I encourage you to respond to your anxiety with prayer. Anxiety will pull us, and our minds, in many different directions. When we can give it all to God, we are pulling everything back to him. It’s almost like we’re tying a lasso around all those different situations to hog-tie them and present them to God. When we give it all to God, we are releasing those thoughts to Him. They no longer get to run wild and rule our hearts. Now, it’s not a, “Here ya go. Ok. BYE!” That’s more so telling God your struggles. Prayer is a conversation. Sometimes we need to sit and listen to what God has to say. To listen to the still small voice remind us that, “It’s alright. I’ve got you. We’ll get through this together.” It’s allowing your mind to find that hush and silence and recenter back on that God has called you to do. Let’s be honest – it feels weird to sit in silence. But we’re alone in this. Allow your prayers to be a conversation with the one who created you, taught you, and loved you from the moment you came into being.

Reflection Questions

1. Where have you felt like your “foot is slipping”? 
2. What anxious thoughts are trying to become your identity?
3. What would it feel like to sit in the stillness of God and listen?

Call to Action

Write down each worry as it comes. Pause and picture yourself handing each one to God. Wait and listen; don’t rush out of the silence. 

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #260