"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." Philippians 4:6,7
There was a time when I felt out of control. If you would have put a gauge on my shoulders the readings would have been off the charts with the amount of tension, stress and anxiety I had allowed to collect in a short period of time.
I was finishing my Cosmetology certification, the boys were three and four years old and Dana was busy with his career and was just getting his feet wet in high school basketball officiating (we were like two ships passing in the night).
Our life had taken a drastic turn from me being a full-time, stay at home mom to a full-time student. I was juggling all the balls and if one slipped through my hands...
well I had no Plan B.
I was traveling full steam ahead wanting to hurry and get through my schooling so that I could become a successful business woman. I loaded my plate each week with all that had to be done. I was focused on succeeding!
About a month before graduation I was busy studying for the State Board Exams, but wasn't feeling well. I had no energy, I wasn't sleeping well, my temper was on a short fuse, and my juggling act was suffering. I remember one day backing my car out of a parking space and panicking because I felt I would hit the cars on either side of me, like the space was growing smaller as I continued to move backwards. With my heart racing I realized I needed to take a step back, recalculate my plans and slow down. Risking my health was not worth all the perfect plans I had for me and my family. I needed to take some time and seek God's perfect peace.
Whatever situation we find our life to be in, we have to remind ourselves of Who holds our every moment. Whether it be later today, next week, or in ten years, we have to keep a close check on what our true purpose is and ask the Lord to lead us.
When you catch yourself feeling anxious, desperate, tired, depleted, stop what you're doing and breathe in His grace and breathe out His mercy. Allow Him to abide and carry you when you can't go any further. He is in the business of restoring our souls, filling our empty tank, and showing us a more fulfilling way. We just need to slow down to catch up with Him.
Let this scripture be a reminder that not all goes well in our lives. Christianity does not promise smooth sailing but He promises to be a tried and true captain that is trustworthy, strong and dependable. When storms do come (and they will) we can rest assure that He will give us peace and will supply our every need (Phil.4:19).
When we see Christians who are facing tragic circumstances with a calm and peaceful existence, then we are witnessing God at work in them; peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil.4:7).
Let's work toward a strong belief in our Lord and Savior. We need to rely on Him for our every step; don't rush ahead of Him. I pray that we handle life situations one day at a time, one breathe at a time.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, May we know Your peace because we have called on You and You have answered. May we be anchored to You; the only One who can sustain us. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.