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.
It sounds so simple......doesn't it? Why do I make is so difficult? Lately, I have allowed the stressors in life to overtake me again. Most of it stems from my job. I go through phases of this, eventually bringing myself to the brink of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and meltdown. Why do I do this? Why don't I trust the God of all things to handle the little things that I allow to build? Do I really think I can fix them myself? Such pride...... And furthermore, why do I allow these things to even matter? In the grand scheme, those things that I allow to cause me anxiety are so insignificant. Why do I do that? What is it that I think I can do about it? Am I that delusional? (Don't answer that!)
God is so good and so patient with me. He constantly brings me back around to re-focus on what's really important. I don't want to lose sight of what really matters. I don't want to allow these distractions to tear my eyes from Him. I want to be an example of His love. I want people to see a difference in the way I live my life. How can you do that when you're not putting your trust fully in Him? I don't want people to look at the state of my life and think, "Man, why would I want what she has?". I want them to see Jesus. I want them to see joy.
The Lord has blessed my life in so many ways. I am clothed. I am fed. I am housed. My family has health. God has provided me with a good job when so many others are without. I live in a country where I can openly declare my love for my Lord without fear of persecution. And best of all......I am loved and I am forgiven.
So again, do not be anxious...... I think I'm going to have that tattooed. Yep, I just decided. Philippians 4:6-7 will be my next tattoo. And yes, I think it's perfectly acceptable for Christians to have tattoos. :)
Thank God for patience and forgiveness.
Three Years of Gems!
7 years ago
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2 comments:
Great post:
Guys like me need more detail about the "how" after we get the "what". Verses 6 and 7 explain the idea, but 8 and 9 are the roadmap out.
Php 4:8-9 ESV
(8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(9) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Just your nosey brother in law
Praying for you:
Craig
You are so right.....Thanks for stopping by. I don't get out to bloggyland much anymore. I definitely appreciate the prayers. I doubt there are any of us who can't use a bit of that. :) I love my nosey brother-in-law.....so stop by anytime. :)
MO
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