I've been waiting to post another entry on this blog until I could write with a more positive tone. I don't want this place to just be an area for all my emotional vomit! So, I've been waiting - I've waited until I felt as if I had something to post that God would want me to post. Something He wants me to "forget-me-not." :-)
Today, in church, I heard from Him. And, here is what He said...
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There has been a lot going on in my little life these days. Really though, there still is a lot going on. However, it wasn't until today during service that I felt as if God was reaching out to me through the chaos that feels like my life these days. It wasn't until today that I finally felt peace and hope.
Do not be anxious - He said - about ANYTHING!
That is difficult, at best, for me. I worry. I worry about what people think of me.
I worry about my effectiveness as a teacher, and then I worry whether or not others perceive if I'm effective or not.
I worry about my kids. I worry about my impression on them in the small amount of time I do get with them with as much as I work.
I worry about my husband. I worry that he isn't happy with his job. I worry that he isn't happy with me.
However, God says - DO! NOT!! WORRY!!! ABOUT ANYTHING!!!!
And, I hear that. And, I instantly know how silly my worries are - as if I could do anything more for my husband and my kids than I'm already doing - as if I could be any more effective as a teacher since I already throw myself into all that 110% - as if I could change anyone's perception of me when more than half of the people who don't like me are because they don't know me.
I hear from Him - don't worry, about anything, but PRAY with thanksgiving in your heart.
Pray with thanksgiving because you know He will give you what you ask for in His name.
So, I hear... "but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." And this morning in church, I did. And, I felt His peace...
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
And that's what I need! I need God to guard my heart (emotions) and my mind (thoughts). Because my feelings lately, they are like I'm on a hormonal roller coaster! And my mind, well, let's just say, you don't want to know some of the thoughts I have had about things and certain people lately...
I need His peace. And thanks to Philippians 4 - which just so happens to be my favorite chapter in the Bible - I have the formula I need to get that peace I'm so desperate for.
I just need to not forget this, as He has not forgotten me.