Human
Beings tend to live in the paradigm of the finite mind. Our viewpoint about
politically correct issues, stressful events, spiritual fervor, Biblical Truth,
family, personal image, and lifestyle, reflect what we truly believe.
For
many of us, change is a dirty word. We only enjoy the status quo; and we resent
bumps in the road, unexpected twists and turns, or high mountains to climb. We
want a level path; and we do everything in our power to preserve our
equilibrium (Psalm 27:11).
If
life throws a hairpin turn at us, we panic, get hysterical, succumb to anxiety,
and take our stress out on those who love us. Sometimes, we live in a constant
state of dread and hopelessness - treading water in a sea of overwhelming fear,
resentment and anger.
Feeling
shame over the past and fearing the future are two culprits behind these
intense emotions. We fail to live in and enjoy the moment. We miss God's
blessings, because we are too worried about upcoming events to notice God in
the here and now.
I
like to count my alphabet of blessings, when circumstances overwhelm me. I
start with "aardvark" for "A", because that word always
makes me laugh. As I move my way through the alphabet, I focus on God's love
and current provision in my life.
By
the time I reach the letter "m", peace is already flooding my soul;
and my breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure slowed down. God's Spirit
calms the troubled waters in my soul, Even though the circumstances are the
same, I trust God to change them for my ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You for our prayer warriors who can help us to carry our burdens to
You and to leave them there. You gave us negative emotions to alert us when
dangerous events are about to happen. Help us not to exacerbate those feelings
with fear, negative thoughts and unfounded speculation; but to put our trust in
You (Psalm 56:3; Proverbs 3:5-6).
We
rely on Your Word and Your faithfulness to us in every situation throughout our
lifetime. We praise You even in the bad times (1 Thessalonians 5:16-28); because
when one chapter ends, You always have a new chapter for us to write with our
life. We look forward to serving You, praying for those You place on our heart,
and living in the center of Your will with each new day.
Thought
for the Day:
As
we rejoice in the Lord, we can continually pray about every situation that we
face in life, giving thanks to God for keeping us in the center of His will for
us; this helps us to hear His advice and guidance, to admire His provision, and
to cling to His love and care for us as He floods us with His peace, and keeps
us blameless and unspotted by the world.
-
1 Thessalonians 5:16:26; Ephesians 2:10
