The two words can be troubling, but God uses them to bring hope
By Dean Collins
“What if?” Just two little words, but they can bring a lot of torment. They can paralyze both mind and body when they are permitted to linger long in your thoughts. And without a counterbalance, they often create chaos, especially in times of difficulty and stress. When challenges surround and the options seem few, the what-ifs seem to get bigger and louder. And if they are not silenced they can bring crippling anxiety.
The truth is the what-ifs aren’t in charge and they don’t know as much as we sometimes believe they know. There is not a what-if that can see or change the future. Oh, sure, it’s possible that a what-if could be true, but I promise you most of them are not and none of them are in charge of you. No what-if has insight or control of the outcome.
And what-if is not only for the future. We can also torment ourselves with the what-ifs looking back. What if I hadn’t said…? What if the doctor had tried…? What if I hadn’t gotten stuck in traffic…?
Worship rising to God
There are many psalms that can and will help you fight back the what-ifs when they begin their torment. Specifically, the Psalms of Ascent will prove helpful. These 15 psalms, 120-134, have been used both by ancient Israel and by churches and individuals throughout Christendom to give perspective, awaken gratitude, release pain, and allow our worship to rise from the ashes to the very throne of God.
One psalm from this collection grabbed me this morning. Psalm 124 asks a different question than the out-of-control “what if.” Here is the phrase David gives us to grapple with: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side”—say it again Israel, church, you and me—“if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then…” The psalmist compels us to consider our situation if God had not been for us in whatever we were facing in the past. We wouldn’t have survived it. Yes, we have all felt many tough, even horrible, moments. But if you are reading this today, then you have, in fact, survived. David claims it is the favor and grace of God that has gotten you this far. And if he is for us, then he will remain for us, and we will be able to endure and even allow thanksgiving to well up as we consider his care for us.
Breakthrough appearing at last
Maybe reading and meditating on this one psalm would interrupt the what-ifs tormenting you. But it won’t hurt to read and pray all of the Psalms of Ascent before your breakthrough appears.
Eugene Peterson’s masterful book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction may aid you on this journey. He studies Psalms 120-134 with insight to help Christians grow in discipleship.
Remembering and trusting his protection
As I meditate on this psalm this morning, I remember what my life has been like because the Lord is on my side. I could write pages of examples, from my childhood up until last week. If God had not been with me and for me, I would not have endured. And I realize significantly more than simply enduring was going on in my life. Time after time, I can see how God protected me, delivered me, brought victory and provision. And all of this came not only for me but for my family, my friends, and various organizations where I have worked, led, and served.
If God has such a spectacular and reliable track record, then why would I not trust him with tomorrow? We can all trust him. He has given us the gift of his only Son, Jesus, who has gone before us, lives in us, and will come again for us that we might have confidence in his favor now and forever.
He can silence your restless what-ifs as you call upon his faithfulness even today.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 124:1-8; Romans 8:31-35, 37-38 ESV
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash
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