Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Have you ever felt the relief of getting home from a long day on the road or at work? How about finally getting done with an extremely tiring project or sports competition? Maybe that situation you have been fighting with for the past month is finally at an end?
We all go through periods in life where situations or events may seem to pile up on us or have us so exhausted as we try to reach the end. Some of what happens in our lives may be out of our control, or we pack our schedule so full we don’t know what day it is. It doesn’t matter about the whys because the pressure and overwhelming emotions take their toll the same either way.
It’s irrelevant if there is a monthly calendar on the wall, a day planner in our desk, or a to do list in our pocket because we cannot always plan ahead for when a barrier is going to fall in front of us or how the trials of life are going to build up to a boiling point. The only thing we can control is how we react and move forward.
Just as everyone in this world has their own set of problems, pressures, or things they have to handle, everyone deals with everything they are facing differently. Our past experiences or our lack of experience is only the beginning of how any situation affects us. There are many little factors that contribute to how we make it through.
Bookstores are filled with books from people who call themselves experts on every subject imaginable, but as the small prints says, “results may vary.” This is their disclaimer for when their 5 easy steps don’t work for 80% of those who buy their book. I know because I have fallen for those promises that would fix everything that was broken.
I had a recent period where one issue right after another hit at the same time. It was very difficult to think at one point or even begin planning any solutions for anything that was going on. It was not a great feeling where I just wanted to sit there and not move, not talk to anyone, and especially didn’t want to plan any solutions.
It was not until I took a deep breath and looked at everything from a different angle. Instead of sitting and hanging my head I should have been standing tall with my head held high. And instead of looking down I should have been looking higher. I was letting the fact that I could not see a way through all the obstacles in front of me make a choice for me.
Once I shook myself out of the funk, I remembered Isaiah 40:29and knew where to start, “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.” So, I reached out to the Lord and began to pray for strength. I could feel myself able to begin to move. But moving was only the beginning.
In times where we go to the Lord for strength, we also need to dig through His word for even more guidance and inspiration. The opening scripture also gives us several other points that we should not forget. Be anxious for nothing, let our requests be know to God. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
We should be letting all our negative feelings slip away as we exhale, then we can have a serious conversation with our Lord about what we are facing and ask for the answers we are looking for. When we faithfully seek Him with our hearts the end result will be a peace that can only come from God. A true calm in the storm.
I have experienced that calm and peace in the past and my recent turmoil had me seeking it again. I spent much time praying and reading scripture. I spoke with fellow Christians who added their prayers and support through my ordeals.
As I searched for more scripture, I came across some that I became familiar with over the years. Psalm 119:105 truly tells us what Gods Holy Book is, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It’s a light to help us see where we are going.
And one of the more famous scriptures that most people know. Psalm 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. The Lord is with us no matter what is going on. We are not alone because He is there to comfort us.
It did take some time for me to let all this sink in and slowly change how I was feeling. The anxious feelings were replaced by God’s peace. The thoughts that were spinning in my mind were stilled like the Lord calming the sea. I could not fully see my entire path ahead, but I knew I had a way forward that was being lit by God.
As in the past, all those obstacles began to clear, and I made it through to the other side. Once I did, I took the next step that we should always take. I thanked the Lord for being there to give me the strength and the peace that I needed to make it through. So, don’t lose heart when things get tough, rather seek the Lord and walk in His strength. He is there.
SHOWING US THE WAY THROUGH
It seems lately that my journey had been getting really rough,
Many days were not so bad but others were mighty rough.
I think of all the times before when I thought I wouldn’t make it,
Even getting so overwhelmed and feeling that I should quit.
Each obstacle I encountered was an exercise in extreme patience,
Until I was able to find a path forward or a solution that made sense.
Over the years I had many failures but also found much success,
I had to just try to keep moving forward so I would not regress.
One lesson that I had to learn over all these many years,
Was to trust in the Lord and give Him all my burdens and my fears.
I cannot rely on just my own strength I have to get some from above,
Then find the peace in the chaos that comes from the Father’s love.
His Word is filled with many answers but I have to open it and read,
I must also take the time to pray and listen for the guidance I need.
Trying to handle life alone is much more difficult when you do,
It’s not as hard with the Lord by our side Showing Us The Way Through.
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Simple Faith Christian 