Posts Tagged ‘worry’

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5 Reasons to Trust God

Friday, May 24th, 2013

John 14:1 NLT

I realize this post’s title doesn’t do justice to my heavenly Father. In reality, it should probably read, “Infinite Reasons to Trust God.” Heaven knows the list is endless. Our time to read, however, is not. Therein lies the only reason for a mere five.

Jesus’ words—“Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” remind us that we have control over worry and fear’s role in our lives. We can choose to let them run rampant and then bear their negative consequences. Or we can choose to trust in God and walk in confidence instead.

Personally, I choose the latter. I’d much rather trust and experience peace than struggle with fear, sleeplessness, negativity, and a knotted stomach. And so, here are five reasons for why I choose to trust the Lord:

  • God promises His presence. No matter what happens in the course of a day, He is with me. I am never alone. Why, then, should I be afraid or anxious?
  • God promises to give me wisdom, and lots of it. When I face circumstances that baffle me, I can ask Him for insight, and He will answer.
  • God promises victory. I belong to Him, therefore He’s on my side. Who can stand against me?
  • God promises to turn negative situations into something good. He specializes in transforming the bad into beauty, the sad into splendor.
  • God promises joy. Sorrow may last for a night, He says, but joy comes in the morning. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. God knows what He’s doing even when I don’t understand.

How about you? What would you like to add to this list?

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The Key to Experiencing God’s Rest in the Midst of Difficulty

Friday, April 26th, 2013

And so my saga continues. First the Achilles ruptured in January. Then the opposite knee required surgery. Just as things began to turn—the cast came off and my legs began learning to walk again—shingles nailed me. And so, I’m dealing with yet another major physical challenge. All the while, I’m learning and relearning wonderful spiritual truths.

This morning I read the psalmist’s familiar words, “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7). Beautiful words, they are. Words that invite us to acknowledge God as sovereign King and gentle Shepherd.

But this morning as I continued reading, I noticed something I hadn’t seen when reading this passage at other times. The last half of verse 7 says, “If only you would listen to his voice today!” The passage goes on to say, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did…They refuse to do what I tell them. So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest’” (vv. 10-11).

These words caught my attention. They remind me how easy it is to know spiritual truth in one’s head but lack spiritual reality in one’s heart, to give mental assent to God’s greatness while spurning His commands. The consequence? We bypass the opportunity to possess the rest of soul and peace of mind He longs for us to experience.

As I navigate deep waters of a physical nature, it’s easy for me to say that God is sovereign, good, and loving. But will I do what He says and give thanks in the midst of my circumstances? Will I worship Him and count every difficulty as an opportunity for joy? Or will I worry about the possible outcomes and resent the inconvenience and pain?

If you’re experiencing hardship, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Doing the latter only breeds hardened hearts, negativity, and fear. But kneeling before the Lord and worshiping Him in the midst of pain brings hope. And doing what He says—giving thanks despite the pain, for instance—rewards us with inner rest and peace.

Whatever difficulties we face, let’s honor God with our response. Let’s kneel before Him in worship, and let’s obey His command to give thanks in everything and choose joy. Then we’ll experience the rest He longs to give us.

Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Michel – http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrintersDaughter

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Posted in Devotionals, Discouragement, Gratitude, Hope, Peace | 2 Comments »

Rest Can Be Yours

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Longing for rest?

So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true (Joshua 21:44-45 NLT)

Are you hangin’ on and hoping your tough circumstances will end soon? Are you battle-weary and longing for rest? If so, you’re not alone.

I spoke at a women’s conference on the weekend. Numerous women shared their stories with me—stories of struggling with physical health issues or depression, wrestling with marital problems, or watching their kids’ marriages breakdown. Some of these women were battle-weary, worn out from worry, and wishing for inner rest.

Where does that rest come from? From filling our minds with God’s word and then living as though we believe it’s true.

God’s word resounds with promises of His presence, provision, and protection. It also reminds us that when bad things happen (because we live in a world filled with sinful people), He’s able to turn them into something good for those who love Him. Trouble is, we often forget those promises when we’re in the midst of tough stuff. Or we say we agree with them but  then allow fear and worry to promptly override them.

Truth is—rest on all sides can be ours. None of our enemies—doubt, fear, insecurity, and the like—can stand against us, for the Lord helps us conquer them through His power and promises.

We are conquerors! Satan would love to make us feel like losers, but let’s not fall prey to his ploys. Let’s keep our minds focused on the truth rather than allow him to invade our minds with his lies. God gave the Israelites victory and led them to rest, and He wants to do the same for His people today.

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Rediscovering the Wonder of Creation

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Sunshine bathed my dining room yesterday. Unbeknownst to me, its warmth melted the wrapped European chocolates sitting in a dish on the table.

My grandchildren popped in for an unexpected visit at noon. Five-year-old Anna and three-year-old Luke discovered the softened sweets. “Oh no, Grandma,” Anna exclaimed. “They’re melted! What should we do with them?”

“Put them in the fridge,” I said. “Then they’ll harden and be easier to eat.”

Anna checked on the chocolates an hour later. “You were right, Grandma!” she exclaimed. “They’re hard now. Wow—how did that happen?” Her awe made me smile.

Living life with a sense of wonder and awe seldom happens in adulthood. Work and worry often blind us to the miracles that surround us.

My grandchildren’s presence restores my perspective. Seeing life through their eyes especially when we go for a walk or play outside reawakens me to wonders such as a ladybug’s spots, a daisy’s petals, an ant’s activity, and a bird’s nest. It renews my awe at the Creator’s ingenuity. And I inevitably experience joy.

Psalm 65:8 says, “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy” (NLT).

Beginning today, let’s ask God to open our eyes to the wonders He’s created. Let’s celebrate His creative genius. And let’s stand in awe of who He is.

It’s your turn. What aspect of God’s creation inspires awe and shouts of joy in your life?

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Posted in Devotionals, Joy, Praise | 1 Comment »

Wisdom Wednesday

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

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The Best Thoughts to Think at Night

Monday, November 26th, 2012

On what thoughts do you dwell when you’re in bed and either falling asleep or unable to sleep?

Some folks might say they plan the next day’s to-do list. Others might contemplate tough stuff they’re experiencing—a difficult relationship, the pain of betrayal, troublesome money matters, or a recent loss.

Some might ponder more positive happenings—an upcoming vacation, the expected birth of a child or grandchild, recent answers to prayer, or the bliss of a life blessed by peace on every side.

When I wake at night, I most often turn my thoughts to the wonder of God’s presence with me, and I thank Him for His care and love. Then I pray for those whose faith is being tested at that time.

I like what the psalmist did. He wrote, “I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord…” (Psalm 119:55). My hunch is that those reflections focused a lot on God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Perhaps they also focused on His sovereignty, wisdom, and power. The result? Obedience. “…Therefore, I obey your instructions.”

The more we meditate on who God is (based on the truth of His word, not on human misperceptions), the more courage and confidence we gain to walk in obedience. As we come to understand His love for us, we realize He’s fully trustworthy. As we understand His wisdom, we learn to rest in His plans for us. As we understand His power and sovereignty, we gain courage to say yes even when we don’t know the details.

Perhaps your nighttime thoughts wander down the path of worry or fear. Maybe they take you to painful memories. Perhaps they lead you to a place of despair. If so, choose to refuse to linger there. Instead, do as the psalmist did—reflect on the character of God and allow the truth to transform you.

Here’s a song to get you started–”How Great is The Love,” by Meredith Andrews and Paul Baloche.

Photo Courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Posted in Devotionals, Fear, God's Sovereignty, Love | 2 Comments »

Got Peace?

Monday, September 17th, 2012

After months of constant go-go-go, my husband and I needed some alone time to do nothing. No meetings. No phone calls. No schedules. Nothing. And so, we hopped on our Gold Wing motorcycle and headed east. Sunshine warmed us as we wound through the mountains, free and fully alive!

Buying the motorcycle was my idea several years ago. Gene jokingly says it’s my bike and he’s my driver. Some folks wonder why I don’t drive, but that answer’s easy: I’ll hurt someone. I crashed a friend’s motorbike on a neighbor’s front lawn when I was in my teens, and I’ve not recovered from that memory yet. Besides, I love having time to think and pray while we cruise.

We drove approximately 900 km (550 miles). I spent the bulk of that time praying for our immediate and extended family. I prayed for my readers and for women who will attend upcoming retreats and conferences where I’ll speak. I prayed for God to direct in several new opportunities that have come along, and for the big stuff like world peace.

I also praised God for His faithfulness and sovereignty. I thanked Him for the beauty of nature and for opening my eyes to delights I’d miss if riding in a car. Things like a white angel statue placed near a creek in a ditch. A teeny chipmunk scurrying to hide under a berry bush.  A fox darting through the grass in search of prey.

Beautiful British Columbia as seen on our ride.

Occasionally, my thoughts wandered to hidden haunts…

Where worry dwells.

Where past pains reside.

Where fear lingers.

The mental sidetracks happened in a subtle way. No clanging bells warning me, “Hey, there! We’re taking you to a danger zone now!” Just a quiet veering off the preferred pathway into the darkness.

Thankfully, I recognized those mental sidetracks the moment they happened and immediately steered my thoughts back to where they belonged. Back to truth, goodness, light, and life. Back to joy, and back to peace.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you,” says Isaiah 26:3. I experienced the truth of these words this weekend. Embrace them for yourself, my friend. Mind your mind today. Keep your thoughts where they belong—on truth, goodness, light, and life—and you’ll experience peace.

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Five Truths About Joy

Monday, January 9th, 2012

The more I read about joy, the more I’m convinced that God’s kids, more than anyone else on earth, ought to be living demonstrations of this characteristic. Anyone can be joyful when life’s honky-dory, but it’s not so easy when the basement floods, the kids break out in chicken pox, the car breaks down, and income runs out before the month ends.

Joy? What's that?

Our family shares a joke about a van we owned years ago. It was a lemon. Extra sour.  The head gasket blew between Christmas and January 1st two years in a row. It burned through three engines during its tenure as a member of our family. And once, on a trip through the Rockies in December, we discovered that the heater didn’t work. Picture this: Gene driving with our four-year-old son sitting beside him, wrapped in a blanket. Our two wee daughters sitting in the middle seat bundled with sleeping bags. And me—shivering in the back seat while scraping ice off the windows.

I’m sorry to say I allowed that van to dictate my attitude ‘way too many times. Like I said, joy comes easy when life’s easy. But it’s not so quick to show up when life presents challenges.

I read Psalm 5:11,12 recently: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord: you surround them with your shield of love” (Psalm 5:11,12).

Several important truths about joy come to mind as I ponder these words:

  • Knowing that God is our refuge is reason for joy whether our circumstances feel good or not.
  • We’re to sing joyful praises forever. Doing so is non-optional for God’s kids. He knows that joyful praises breed life in us and in those who hear us speak. Let’s do what He says—He knows best.
  • We’re to sing joyful praises forever.  That means always, not only until the good times end.
  • God spreads His protection over those who love Him. That knowledge should result in our being filled with joy rather than fear, insecurity, or worry.
  • The knowledge that God surrounds us with His shield of love is pretty good cause for joy, too, don’t you think?

Joy ought to be a hallmark of those who follow God. How are you doing in that department? Do you have a favorite Scripture that speaks about joy? If so, what is it?

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Free!

Monday, September 26th, 2011

I wish you could have heard the women sing at this weekend’s retreat: “I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for you, I am free!” Their voices, filled with enthusiasm, nearly lifted the roof. And their actions tickled me from the inside out.

Someone in the front row could not contain her joy. She grabbed her neighbor’s hand and together they stepped away from their chairs. They cruised the room in step to the music, their arms reaching toward heaven. A couple dozen others followed their example. Celebration filled the air. It’s been a long time since I’ve sensed such joy-filled, uninhibited freedom within a group of believers, and boy, oh boy, was it refreshing!

As believers, we have every reason to sing and dance. After all, Christ purchased our freedom when He died and rose again. Because of His great love for us, we are no longer slaves to sin and its destructive forces. We are free. Free. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Christ said, “I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light’” (Isaiah 49:9). He’s all about our freedom. Do you feel trapped today by worry? Despair? Unforgiveness? Disappointment? A besetting sin? If so, move your focus from your circumstances and inadequacies to the One who’s beckoning you to better things. “Come out in freedom,” He says. “Leave your chains behind.”

Christ’s invitation to “come out” kinda reminds me of His words to Lazarus – “Come out from the grave!” I can see it now—the once-dead man now singing, “I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for you, I am free!” Imagine the vigor and enthusiasm in his voice!

We should be as grateful. We who were once dead in our sins are now free indeed. Let’s stay that way. Let’s not let worry, despair, unforgiveness, disappointments, and besetting sins capture and control us any longer.

We are free! That’s worth celebrating! Do you agree?

Photo courtesy: Dreamstime

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Steps to Peace — Part 2

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Personal peace seems like a hot commodity in a topsy-turvy world. People want it, so they seek it in various places—relationships, alcohol, drugs, wealth, status, and even religion. Trouble is, the above might provide a counterfeit peace but it lasts only a short time. Then what?

Scripture is clear that Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—is the source of peace. If we want it, we need to enter a relationship with Him by confessing our sinfulness and acknowledging Him as our Savior. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid,” He said in John 14:27.

Entering a relationship with Jesus is the key to unlocking the door to peace. After that, we can take several practical steps when fearful thoughts enter our minds. These are found in Philippians 4:6—“Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” In short form, here’s what those steps look like:

* Don’t worry about anything. Easier said than done, right? Many of us spend a ton of energy worrying about things that never happen or that have already happened and cannot be changed. We allow the “what-ifs” to disturb our sleep and make us sick. God knows the negative effect of worry on our brains and our bodies, so He has provided a way to deal with it. He says we should…

* Pray about everything. With the Middle East in crisis and Japan reeling from the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster, we might feel that God doesn’t have time for our piddly concerns. At least that’s what Satan would like us to believe. The truth is, God invites us to bring our requests both large and small to Him. “Pray about everything,” He says, “not just the concerns you deem earth-shattering.”

* Tell God what you need. Be specific. If you need a job with different hours to accommodate your family’s schedule, tell Him so. If you’re lonely and need a close girlfriend, tell Him. If you need a fresh idea for work or a special project, say so. Tell Him what you need and trust Him to answer in the way that He deems best.

* Thank God for all He has done. Many times in the Old Testament, God commanded His people to remember His faithfulness. “Look back,” He said. “Remember what I did for you and speak of these things to your children.” When we thank God for all He’s done in the past, we find courage to face whatever lies ahead.

Philippians 4:7 follows with a promise. “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

There, you have it! The steps to finding peace are few and simple. Trouble is, we humans make them difficult because we get stuck on “don’t worry about anything.” You’d think we believe worrying makes us more spiritual or able to control our circumstances!

Question: What can you add to these steps for experiencing peace? How have you seen these steps prove true in your own life?

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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