God Abides

A start awake with a pounding heart,

Fear grips nearly every part.

Trying to lie still, pretending it didn’t happen

Waiting for the grip to slacken.

A sick stomach, a ringing head,

All appeared while lying in bed.

Can I breathe? What is the matter?

Focus in on the TV chatter.

A heart attack? A stroke?

Is that blood? I feel I might choke.

What did I eat? What did I do?

Struggling through this dreadful mood.

Back to bed, don’t wake anyone.

Call for help… no I need none.

It’s all in my head, I tell myself.

I am a book on God’s shelf

Up again, why now? Why this late?

Thinking again of all I had ate.

Going back to bed and there He came,

God’s calming embrace to make me sane.

“You’re in My care, no need for dread,”

Is what that sweet voice peacefully said.

“I live here, You gave me your life.

You, your husband, your children, will be alright.”

My heart rate fell back, its rhythm steady

My head and my eyes grew slowly heavy.

Just as quick as it came, He rushed to my side,

A reminder that right next to me, my God abides.

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To anyone dealing with anxiety,

You are seen and loved. Never alone.

Until next time.