Leaning on the Lord
I try very hard not to worry, but I am a weak human and at times I can't help myself. But being a Christian I know where to turn and as soon as worry and anxiety starts to take control (and its surprising how fast that can happen) I turn straight to the Lord. I can't imagine what non-Christians do when something comes into their lives that causes worry and anxiety. Who do they turn to?
I have been worried about a few things lately and I opened up a blog this morning and the first thing that jumped out was the verse below (one of my favourites). It was waiting for me to read and it was perfectly timed and much needed.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
And whilst I was reading my devotional this morning, I jump ahead and the verse was:
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
With the following "In the terrifying moments of life (and all the other moments as well) nothing can bring comfort to the hurting heart like the reality of God’s presence and care."
Some would say this was just all coincidences, I say, the Lord knew I needed these messages today and I heard them loud and clear. Worry and anxiety doesn't solve anything, only holding on tight to our Heavenly Father as only He can taken us through the dark valley and get us safely through to the other side. "When fear is overwhelming, the Lord is there. His comforting presence will carry us through our deepest trials."
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.” —Spafford
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.” —Spafford
(Quotes in green come from: Our Daily Bread, 18th April 2013).
Come unto me, all ye that labour
and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Beautiful scriptures, the Lord is so good to always guide us in any circumstance. The Lord has been reminding me in the last couple of weeks through some trials I've had (and trying not to worry) of the scripture, 'think on things that are worth thinking about', it is a daily obstacle to renew our minds isn't it, but Praise God that He made a way.
ReplyDeleteTrials seem to hit when you least expect them and they can really knock you about - I do hope that things are improving for you:)) And thankyou for sharing that verse, it was much needed today.
DeleteBlessings for the coming week:))
Thanks Jo. You are right we are weak and often anxious. But God....
ReplyDeleteLike you Sarah I have to make myself think on the good and lovely lest I become overwelmed by grief and anxiety. I too wonder how the unbelievers cope in their dispair.
I think this is why some unbelievers turn to alcohol as they have nothing else to hold on to - it must be a very lonely place to be. At least when we are at our loneliness, we only need to look up and the Lord Jesus is there with arms stretched out. What a comfort:))
DeleteHave a wonderful week ahead.
Me three!! I have battled at times with worry and despair but I am so grateful to have the Lord who brings peace and order into my heart and my life. I have been changing my diet and walking every (most) days and I find that has helped me no end also.
ReplyDeleteA bit of sunshine and fresh air does make a huge differences when you are feeling down. And its nice to know that when you are down, other Christian ladies are very supportive too:))))
DeleteBlessings for the coming week.
xxx
Unfortunately I think that worry is part of the human condition! I LOVE that passage from Philippians! How wonderful it is to know that the comfort God can provide is beyond what we can even comprehend! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey are definitely not coincidences are they! God is so....good to us! Hope you are doing better today Jo! xo
ReplyDeleteNothing is ever random or a coincidences when it comes to The Lord:))
ReplyDeleteOur propensity to worry is rather frustrating. I don't even WANT to worry about everything, it just seems to be a default thing for us to do as humans, doesn't it?!
ReplyDeleteI love that Philippians passage - wonderful comfort.
I dislike how "worry" jumps in the moment I hear bad news and can take 24-36 hours to return to common sense. You are right, it's the default and very frustrating even when is telling myself I shouldn't be doing/thinking this way.
DeleteAnxiety is a family trait! The tremendous thing about that verse in Philippians is that Paul was in prison, not sure if he would be executed (he hints at this in 1:23 & 2:17), and yet, I don't think the word rejoice (and joy) occur in any other Epistle with such frequency. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (4:4). Nick.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing and I wish I could rejoice at times of difficulties. It is something to keep on working on.
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