It is a lesson to me on how futile worry and anxiety is and how little faith I have. As I think about all the things I worry about, I see that the worst I can imagine never happens. In this past year God sustained us, my husband still has his job, our country hasn't fallen off the face of the earth because of Obama, we didn't go into the next Great Depression. It encoruages me to renew my effort to take my thoughts captive and put my faith in the Lord into practice more, to believe he is who he says he is and will do all he promises he will do.
I also found this devotional entry from last year and I feel the same way today:
Dear Lord,
I bring you my shortcomings...because Your Word says that in my weakness you are strong and I feel like such a wimp in these trying times. I have so many shortcomings but when I look closer, I see that they are by your design and behind each one is a strength waiting to develop as I surrender them to you.
I bring you my worship and praise...
because Your Word says you inhabit the praise of your people and when I worship You, I feel your presence. Today I praise your name, Jehovah Jireh, because you are the Lord who provides.
I bring you my prayer...
because Your Word says to tell you what I need so that I'm not anxious about anything. Help me take my anxious thoughts captive and leave them with You, knowing that nothing is happening that isn't passing through Your hands first. You are in control. Thank you for your provision and protection.
because Your Word says to tell you what I need so that I'm not anxious about anything. Help me take my anxious thoughts captive and leave them with You, knowing that nothing is happening that isn't passing through Your hands first. You are in control. Thank you for your provision and protection.
You spoke to me...
"I have loved you with an everlasting love."
Jeremiah 31:3
"The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
Deuteronomy 33:27
It's all about balance, isn't it? To be unconcerned and indifferent would not be wise....
ReplyDeleteThe devotional thought is well-stated and helpful. Thanks for passing it on.
Let us continually "cast all (our) cares upon Him, for He cares for (us)."
Thank you for sharing this - a much-needed reminder this morning.
ReplyDeleteHi, Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI loved the devotional.
The thing that helps me to trust God is considering that He has already done the utmost for me: While I hated Him, He reconciled me to Himself. He has taken care for my eternal welfare; by His grace I'll trust Him for temporal supply. <3
Great perspective! We all would do well by reliving the past year and recounting our Father's faithfulness on our behalves.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said; beautifully lived.
peace~elaine
I have been telling my hubby that perspective is everything. It is so true! Thank you for your thoughtful post and the reminder that God is the one in control, no matter what the predictions or political climate or anything that life can throw at us.
ReplyDeleteThe verse you listed at the end in is the first verse that the Lord ever personally highlighted to me after I became a Christian some 30 years ago...I found a little plaque in a Christian book store with "The eternal God is your refuge and underneath, etc." and felt drawn to it and bought it. A few months later, a lady at church was praying with me, and she quoted that scripture...it meant a lot to me as a new Christian as I felt God was speaking to me through it, and it always brings me comfort when I read it...to know that no matter what happens, His everlasting arms are there to catch us!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I love the prayer at the end.
ReplyDeleteWorryland is where the enemy wants to keep us, unproductive and miserable.
So, your observation is true. Most of the things we worry about never come to pass!
Love
Lidj