S. T. R.

Psalm 13:1-2 – How long will you forget me, O Lord? Forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I lay up cares within me and have sorrow in my heart day after day? How long shall my enemy exalt himself over me? (AMP)

Because I am not a medical person, I really appreciate simple, easy-to-remember information that will help folks stay healthy. The new stroke guidelines (S. T. R.) really qualify. S. T. R. stands for the words "Smile-Talk-Raise". That is, if a person can't smile, talk, or raise their arms above their head, they are likely having a stroke and there is no time to waste. Call 911 immediately.

I pray that I never need to use this medical information. Still, if the need arises, I now know when to pick up the phone and call for help.

While I have not used S. T. R. in a medical way, I often have needed it for my spiritual life. There have been times when my outlook on life was just too dim. Unable (or unwilling) to smile (i.e. bad attitude), talk (i.e. give thanks), or raise my arms (i.e. praise), I chose depression, loneliness, and fear. But thankfully, I knew whom to call. God's 911 number is available to all of us.

Psalm 13:5-6 – But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and loving-kindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. (AMP)

Prayer: Father, please help us to remember You when our thoughts are far from Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.