He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Psalm 46:10-11
 
 
As I walk along the street, the noise is distracting. Students on lunch break lounge on the sidewalks, chattering away, with music blaring in the background. Engines rev as the cars and motorcycles pass by. The tiered bell tower rises sharply above the multiple roof lines. I circle the perimeter taking photos as I go. After coming full circle, I enter through the side door. Organ music wafts through the air. Immediately I feel its magic working on me. As I walk toward the front and look upward, I’m struck by how large and imposing the interior is. The nave is simple but beautiful. The tall barrel-vaulted ceiling supported by numerous narrow-arched columns creates a sense of majesty. Hovering above the ornate altar is a pastel fresco that portrays Jesus, the One who is above all. This is truly a holy place. I sit quietly in one of the pews and pray, asking God to show me what He wants me to learn here in this moment. I experience palpable peace flooding my soul. The tranquility inside is juxtaposed against the noisy exterior from which I had just escaped.
 
Built in the Romanesque style, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin sits where it has for centuries in Toulouse, France. Consecrated in 1096, it is the largest Romanesque-styled church in Europe. Its thick rose brick and white stone walls – strong, heavy, and solid - were built to withstand both the elements and enemies over the years. Its interior, as equally imposing as its exterior, is softly lit by sunlight streaming through its narrow windows. Multiple candelabras intensify the ethereal light in this vast expanse. The strains of organ music wrap around this sacred space. This stillness, this holiness permeates my mind and soul.
 
When it’s not possible to travel to a faraway basilica, how do we re-center our perspective on our everyday lives? Where do we go to escape the busyness, the craziness of life, even for a few minutes? Are we willing to pull away from an overloaded to-do list long enough to sit with the Living God? When life is noisy on the outside, how do we find the calmness of faith within?
 
In Psalm 46, we read of external disasters, earthquakes, and wars. Verse 2 says that even if the mountains fall into the sea, we don’t need to be afraid. God is our refuge. He is our strong fortress. God is the God over the daily chaos and chatter, over circumstances gone awry, over difficult relationships. In verse 10, God entreats us to enter into the sanctuary. When we intentionally take time out to meet God in the inner sanctum, God stills our souls. Realizing that God is both omnipotent and omniscient, we have no reason to fear or to worry. We can enjoy peace because God is in control. Verse 11 says “The LORD Almighty is with us.” His presence enables us to move out into the din again, only this time with an inner peace that cannot be shaken.
 
 
Lord, help me slow down and re-center myself in You. I want to find the peace that so often eludes me in my busy day. Draw near to me as I seek to draw near to You. Still my soul as I sit still before You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
 
Text and photographs copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photos of the Basilica Saint-Sernin, Toulouse, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7
 
 
I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Something felt unsettling. While preparing for an extended trip that would span several weeks, I couldn't shake the anxiety. With so many things to do even before I began packing, it was difficult to distinguish the stress of having too much to do from the anxiety about the actual trip. Having traveled many times, particularly in the last several years, I was surprised this pervasive emotion seemed to spread like a sickness through my mind and body.
 
About a week before my trip, a close friend asked me if I was OK. She was concerned that I wasn't my usual self. In that moment, I realized how much anxiety and stress controlled my mind, my attitude, and my countenance.
 
As the trip grew closer, I asked several friends and family members to pray for me. Even the morning of my departure, I claimed the key verse for today. Praying against anxious thoughts and praying for God's peace helped calm my heart. Knowing others were praying for me gave me courage.
 
I remembered God's faithfulness in the past. I thought back to other travels where I knew God was with me wherever I went. I knew in my head that He would be with me again. But my heart still needed convincing.
 
As I stood outside my home with suitcases in tow waiting for my Uber ride, I realized God had already shown up. I had woken up 32 minutes before my alarm. God's timing is perfect. Without those extra minutes, I would have been frantic trying to get ready on time. Instead I had a few minutes to spare, a few minutes to relax and reflect.
 
Moments later as I chatted with the Uber driver, he asked me the reason for my travel. I responded that I am an inspirational writer and travel photographer. When I shared I am the author of a couple of books and also numerous blogs, he asked for the website name. As I handed him my business card, he handed me his. God had shown up again! The Uber driver was also a pastor. I felt like God was sitting in the driver's seat. Obviously, He wasn’t but again I was reminded of His presence.
 
As I contemplated my conversation with the kind Uber driver, I knew God was with me. Before I left my neighborhood, God was already vying for my attention to let me know He was with me and would be with me wherever I would go. I realized anxious thoughts have no place in a mind filled with God's peace and presence.
 
No matter where you are in your own journey, God is with you and will go with you wherever you go. Give your anxious thoughts up to Him in prayer. Fill your mind with verses like today’s key verse. Go forward in His peace and presence.
 
 
Lord, help me turn to You first when I feel anxious and overwhelmed. May I give my requests to You with thanksgiving, remembering Your faithfulness in the past. Fill my mind with Your Word to overcome my anxious thoughts. Help me live fully in the present and step into the future with my heart and my head filled with Your peace. Amen.
 
 
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
 
Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the Dordogne River at La Roque-Gageac in southwestern France.
 
Note:  Anxiety disorders are common in our culture. Prayer is a powerful tool to use against anxious thoughts. For pervasive anxiety, praying for the right therapeutic solution is appropriate. Sometimes therapy and/or medication are necessary to work in tandem with prayer.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™