“Wallowing in regret after repenting, being forgiven and asking forgiveness from anyone we hurt, is like constantly rolling in something dead.” – Beth Moore
“Relax in the knowledge that the One who controls your life is totally trustworthy. Come to Me with confident expectation. There is nothing you need that I cannot provide.” – 1 John 1:5 – Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young.
Blessings.
Carmen is in the process of moving from Baton Rouge to Tallahassee, and has the burden of two rents until she can find a sub-lessor. She applied for and got a new job in her degree field (so proud). She has been anxious about the money, and rightly so, but we have reassured her that we will help. It will be tight, but we are able, thankfully.
She gets her anxiety from me. Although, as her parent, I try to reassure her (sometimes more than twice in a day), she accepts it, and then takes it back. I understand that it is hard not to.
“Thank Me for the gift of My Peace, a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth. When I appeared to My disciples after the resurrection, it was Peace that I communicated first of all. I knew this was their deepest need: to calm their fears and clear their minds. I also speak Peace to you, for I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to Me! Tune out the other voices, so that you can hear Me more clearly. I designed you to dwell in Peace all day, every day. Draw near to Me; receive My Peace.” – John 20:19; Colossians 3:15 – Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young
We know as children of Christ, we have peace in Him. He reassures me, I know that. I take back what I give to him thinking that I need to be in control. I know that I am not, but at the time, it makes me feel better. But in the end, it makes matters worse. I know that if I give an issue I am struggling with to God, and let Him continue to have it, it calms me —gives me a peace and understanding. It is when I think He is doing nothing that I take it back. Like I know these things?
We all struggle with peace, and anxiousness, just on different levels. People have struggled since the beginning of time with these things – maybe not a mortgage or rent – but finding shelter, and having food? Why don’t we look back and see that we are carried? Cared for? Loved and reassured? I know these things. I question. I struggle.
As a parent, I try to let our children know these same things, and become frustrated that they don’t listen. I am thankful for a God that extends His care and peace over and over again without limitations. I try to do the same for my family. That is what we are to do, right, be like Christ?
How do you struggle? What calms you with the daily issues of life?
Blessings.
“I LOVE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE, not for what you do. Many voices vie for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence. You must learn to discern what is My voice and what is not. As My Spirit to give you this discernment. Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the various voices directing their lives. This results in fragmented, frustrating patterns of living. Do not fall into this trap. Walk closely with Me each moment, listening for My directives and enjoying My Companionship. Refuse to let other voices tie you up in knots. My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead.” – Ephesians 4:1-6; John 10:4 – Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young
Blessings.
“Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:25 NIV
I have been discouraged with myself this past week. So much so that people actually see that something is wrong, that I am upset. I am not dealing well with things at work. Not that my work has changed, but the work I am doing. I am the type of person who wants my work to be perfect. It has to done perfectly. I fight with myself on this constantly.
Logically, I know that I am not perfect, nor the work I do is perfect. I know this, but it doesn’t change the fact that I want it to be. My enemies are my inside voices. Those that tell me I am not good enough. That I can’t do it all. (Again, I know that I can’t but some days are worse than others.) My self worth has been low lately.
I over commit to things in January. I am overwhelmed, although not busy. I am anxious with silly things. I want to be calm in spirit, to encourage and support those around me. One evening this past week, I came home and just cried. I tell others that when they do that it is a release. Your body can’t hold in everything anymore and needs to let things go. I feel week, and uncertain when it happens to me.
So…
“I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone–nothing! when you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today’s is set before you! Receive today’s gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me.” – Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Genesis 16:13-14 AMP —Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young
Again, making some changes. Letting go. Forgiving myself and knowing that I don’t have to do everything.
I am enough.
Blessings.
“Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble. Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven. Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.” – – Jesus is Calling; John 16:33
Seems simple, right? I know that I want all of the answers to what is going on in my life. Difficulties are constant, at least in my world. I know that I struggle with being overwhelmed, taking on too much, trying to be everything to everyone as I don’t ever want to disappoint others. The list goes on and on.
All of these things will disappear if I keep my focus on Him. Seeking quiet time, praying for peace and discernment in my daily choices. I can’t do everything. I know this. Why then is it so hard to say ‘no’ or not feel guilty if I do say ‘no’ to someone or doing something.
People that know me and love me understand my limitations. Jesus knows what I can do and what I shouldn’t be doing. Again, why do I question Him? I know that I have written about this before, but I truly believe in the spoken affirmation. If we speak it (either positive or negative), we hear it and believe it. I need to speak positive, reaffirming, loving words to myself. Praying for those things, and it will be heard. He will hear it.
What words do you speak to yourself or in prayer to handle daily difficulties? I need to make mine more of hourly or even moment by moment habit.
Blessings.
Yesterday, a friend felt failure. She cleans condos on Saturdays and she wasn’t able to complete the job. Her body and spirit failed.
“Accept each day exactly as it comes to you. By that, I mean not only the circumstances of your day but also the condition of your body. Your assignment is to trust Me absolutely, restin in My sovereignty and faithfulness.
On some days, your circumstances and your physical condition feel out of balance: The demands on you seem far greater than your strength. Days like that present a choice between two alternatives—giving up or relying on Me. Even if you wrongly choose the first alternative, I will not reject you. You can turn to Me at any point, and I will help you crawl out of the mire of discouragement. I will infuse My strength into you moment by moment, giving you all that you need for this day. Trust Me, by relying on My empowering Presence.” Psalm 42:5; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Jeremiah 31:25 – Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young
This was yesterday’s devotional. We will always feel failure at some point in our day or weeks. These scriptures remind us to rely on God in each failure. To accept each step regardless of the fall. Accepting that we can’t complete something hurts. We don’t want to admit that we fail. We need to remember that we are not perfect, and we can’t do it all.
Encourage those when you can.
Blessings.
“If you would make a man happy, do not add to his possessions but subtract from the sum of his desires.” – unknown
My desires aren’t of stuff…it is of time. Time spent with family and friends. I want more time, but who doesn’t?
“Energy and time are precious, limited entities. Therefore, you need to use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture, I will show you how to spend your time and energy. My word is a lamp to your feet; My Presence is a Light for your Path.” Psalm 119:105–Jesus is Calling
Blessings.
I have mentioned before that I have these daily flip calendars.
The oldest one I have is my Apples of Gold (bottom, far right).
“If you have learned to walk a little more sure-footed than I, Be patient with my stumbling, and know that only as I do my best and try, May I attain the goal for which we both are striving.”
Beth Moore Twitter Talk is the one on the bottom left:
“We are terrified of boredom. We often resist obedience to God because we fear He’ll bore us to tears. We have not idea the life that awaits.”
And finally, Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young:
“Bring me your weakness, and receive My peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel, because you will be focusing on Me. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven.” Psalm 29:11; Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 13:5
I could read each one of these today and know that on their own, they are significant to me. But reading them in this order, and pondering each for a moment, makes my heart and mind think they belong together.
My anxiety was over the top yesterday due to a credit card decline, and a near accident on the way to a birthday celebration for my sister-in-law. David’s touch can calm me, but I couldn’t let go of things. My stumbles. My walk. Needing to be quiet in the moment and rely on a God that has gotten me through so very much. I eventually calmed down, but have thoughts spinning constantly.
Everyday we have the opportunity to seek Him. Everyday I need to bring Him my weakness, and rest in Him. His plan is the plan that I am following. Being quiet in the moment this morning, and having Him guide my path today. Reminding myself of this at each moment of anxiousness will be the challenge. I am feeling up to that challenge today!
Blessings today and always.
“Be careful how you live; you may be the only Bible some people will every read.” – Unknown
Everyday I need a reminder of this. My walk, my actions are viewed by many. All of our steps are viewed by our loved ones, coworkers, and strangers. Our actions speak louder than any words you may say.
I struggle with this. Who doesn’t? But I am trying to be a better person. To my husband, children, friends, and just those small encounters with strangers. Don’t they deserve the best in us?
“This is the path I have set before you. As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant Life and Peace.” Peter 1:2 (Jesus is Calling) Are you walking the path set before you? Am I?
Blessings.
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