The moment I awoke, the worries flooded my mind. I had grave concerns, troubles on my heart, and loved ones facing challenges. I began my daily exercise routine, turning on the praise music.
Listen to the words. Recall God is bigger than any and all of these concerns, I told myself.
I refocused on the truths sung in those lyrics only to have my mind wander back to the hardships on my heart. This scenario repeated itself over and over again, frustrating me to no end. As I realized my plight, the exasperation mounted and I recalled Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
I was praying. That felt like all I was doing. But evaluation of the verse reminded me to pray with thanksgiving. Honestly, I could not say I had been doing that. But I should have. Psychologists agree, we will find it difficult to continue fretting when we begin listing what we are thankful for having.
I didn’t need to love the situation. But I did love the Lord.
I may not have any idea how this might work out, but He did; and He even promises to use it for my good, somehow, some way. (Romans 8:28) He is working even when we don’t see it.
There’s something else my fretting cost me: my peace.
When I can’t see an answer, I turn the problem over and over again in my mind. It’s like when I try to solve a Rubik’s cube. I turn it all round, this way and that. Maybe, just maybe, if I look at it from a different angle, I’ll see something I didn’t see before.
But my trouble is, I’m relying on me. Not on God.
God truly can handle all my burdens. He already has the solution, and the perfect timing to unveil it. I don’t need to do anything to try to solve it. If I’m turning to Him, He will guide me on my actions, and He will grant me patience for the wait.
I just need to carry it to Him.
If you are like me, that is easier said than done.
Yet, He doesn’t expect perfection. He knows we’re human and we need His help.
When I awoke this morning, troubles flooded my mind. I turned to my sneakers and my praise music. I also asked God to help me take my mind off of all else for a time, to offer my heart and soul up to Him.
I needed to refocus a few times, but I certainly had a better perspective to begin my day after I had spent quality time focused on who He is and not the plight I’m in.
It truly makes a difference!
Maybe, like me, you need reminders of staying on task with praise. I have an accountability partner across state lines. Find someone who will ask if you had time to pray and time to praise. Feel free to leave a comment below, and you will be prayed for by name.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You truly care about all the things on my heart and mind. You also have the answer to all my questions. Please help me remember to make time to focus on who You are and praise You. Thank You that You are God indeed! In Jesus’ name, Amen.