Getting a physical usually involves having the doctor insert a tongue depressor into your mouth as he asks you to say, “Ahhh.” He wants to see what’s going on in your throat.

The other day I was mowing my lawn in the scorching summer heat. By the end of the task I was soaked with sweat and extremely thirsty. I grabbed a bottle of chilled water from the refrigerator in my garage and took a long, refreshing drink. I sighed, “Ahhh!”

Yesterday I took my shoes off and propped my feet up in my living room around 8:30 PM after a long day of meetings, projects, and errands. The experience caused me to say, “Ahhh!”

My bride Nancy got to hold and love on our youngest great-grandchild Cory the other day. Anyone who knows her knows that she has a strong maternal instinct and loves children. As I watched Nancy hold my great-grandson, I didn’t hear her say these exact words, but her eyes and the expression on her face exclaimed, “Ahhh!”

“Ahhh” is what we say when we experience something satisfying and relaxing like sipping a cold drink during a break in a tough, physical project; diving into the lake or the pool on a miserably hot day; or falling exhausted into bed after a long, hard day.

In Jeremiah 32:17, the prophet began a statement about God that highlighted his power and might by saying “Ah!”: “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah sounds as though he is falling back into an overstuffed easy chair, totally relaxing in this truth about God. Secure. At peace. Content.

God’s sovereignty has a way of doing that — of building feelings of security and confidence. Knowing that our omnipotent God controls the heavens, the earth, and everything therein can relieve much of our anxiety and stress. We can rest in that knowledge.

In contrast, when we take our eyes off God and focus on our daily stresses and strains, problems and pressures, appointments, and activities, we can feel hassled and confused and tired.

What do you say when an unexpected problem takes you by surprise? Say, “Ahhh! This didn’t catch my heavenly Father off guard! I will trust Him.”

What do you say when you don’t know what to do about a situation? Say, “Ahhh! God always has a way for me to escape. I will listen to Him and let Him guide me.”

What do you say when the task and challenge you are facing is too hard for you? Say, “Ahhh! Nothing is too hard for my omnipotent God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What do you say when you feel all alone, and it seems like everyone has forsaken you? Say, “Ahhh! My God is a friend of sinners who has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I will acknowledge his presence in my life.”

What do you say when the doctor gives you a bone-chilling diagnosis? Say, “Ahhh! My God is the Great Physician. Nothing is too hard for Him. I will trust Him for my healing.”

I could go on, but do you get the point? 

For what problems do you need solutions? What important decisions do you have to make? What struggles are you facing? For which questions do you want answers? Turn to your all-powerful Creator. Nothing is too hard for him. Fall back into the arms of God and find rest in him.

Now, open wide and say, “Ahhh!”