Don't Squirm

Some people have an aversion to going to the dentist. They wait until it’s absolutely necessary to see one, and others never go. I can understand the fear and dread that can come with a dental appointment, even though I have a great dentist who is caring and professional.

The uncertainty of what the dentist will find, and what procedure will be done can be unnerving. But for optimum health, regular check-ups and cleanings are imperative.

When I get in the dentist chair, I try to relax, put my brain in neutral, and let them do their job. When there are sharp instruments in your mouth, that is the worst time to squirm. The very procedure that the dentist is performing in order to help you, could actually hurt you and damage your teeth if you squirm.

Imagine what would happen if you moved or got up while the dentist was drilling. He could damage your teeth, which would not help you at all. The problem could actually become worse.

There are times in life when we suffer painful physical or emotional circumstances, and cry out to God to deliver us, not realizing that He is performing a procedure to help us through the situation. We are told in God’s word to rest in the Lord.

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Resting in the Lord doesn’t necessarily make the circumstances change immediately, but we can rest in Him being with us to help us through the situation. Remember these words from the 23rd Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” And, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”

Put your brain in neutral, trust in the Lord, and let Him finish His job. You won’t be in the chair forever, but if you squirm, you make His job harder, and it could hurt you worse.

Someone asked a friend of mine, who has a chronic illness, when God was going to heal him. He replied, “I know that God is going to heal me, but when is up to Him.

I also have found myself in difficult circumstances in the past. In the midst of it, I prayed, “Lord, I know that you are leading me, but this path is narrow, rocky, and it’s difficult to keep from stumbling. It’s hard. Nearby is a beautiful meadow of green grass. Why can’t we walk through there?

The Lord replied, “Son, I am purposely leading you around that beautiful meadow. There are alligators in that grass!”

My difficult circumstances were actually the safest path around the real danger. Though I didn’t understand at the time, I later realized that God’s purpose was beyond my understanding. Through hindsight, now I see.

Don’t forget that God is your Father. He loves you and will do what is best for you. You might not see it at the time, especially if the circumstances seem impossible, but hold on to His word. He who cannot lie says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV). Don’t squirm!

Copyright © Gene Markland, used with permission.