Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Soaring

 
Like a child flying a kite in a gust of wind, circumstances had me tugging at the string while my kite spiralled.

But a fresh study of Philippians chapter four accessed God's Spirit to show me how to harness and soar on the adverse wind.

It seemed too simple to make a difference -- like God's instructions that Naaman dip seven times in the Jordan river to rid himself of leprosy (2 Kings 5).

The simple choice of praising God in the midst of concerns got worry to work for, not against, me. It reminded me that my Creator cared and was powerful to intervene when I gave the situation to Him.  I started cooperating with the Master again instead of going it alone. It brought strength and a new perspective that used the resistance to climb higher. As I continued to praise, give God my concerns and expect His help, my kite steadied and climbed -- like an eagle.

I proved that worry depletes, but praise exhilarates.

Now I'm loving it as I look past what used to worry me into my Creator's eyes and experience Christ's peace.


For Your Consideration

Choose one of the following readings. Prayerfully read and listen for the Holy Spirit's revelation to you.

Philippians 4:6-8-- Replace worry with God's peace.
2 Kings 5: 1-15a-- An obstacle in executing simple instructions.
Isaiah 40: 27-31 -- All-knowing, God wants to renew us.

If you have forgotten God's power or lost sight of God's love, what renewed focus would help you mount up with wings as an eagle?

Has God given you some critical instruction that you might have dismissed as being inconsequential?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Weed Killers

Worry is a nasty weed.

Most of the time I am able to "take my thoughts captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5) and line them up with the scriptures to combat worry. But when problems stack, they can fertilize worry.

I can give in to despair or choose to do several things. Philippians 4: 6-7 (quoted in Today's Living Bible in italics below) gives practical help.

1. Don't worry about anything (v.6).
Impossible? Perhaps we could say, don't let worry grow. As soon as I'm aware worry is constricting my joy, I have to engage my will-- not my feelings -- to start God's weed killers.

2. Instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs (v. 6).
When I turn to the Master Gardener for help, I get to confer with Him about each of my needs and ask for wisdom. It's a choice I have to make every time worry sends out another tendril.

3. And don't forget to thank Him for His answers (v. 6).
Being mindful that God is trustworthy, I can confidently thank Him for His help. I need to consciously thank Him. There is nothing timid or whiny about this kind of praying.

4. If I do this, I will experience God's peace (v. 7).
Following the Gardener's advice brings God's peace. The weeds may not immediately disappear, but regularly following these steps will cause them to shrivel and die.

This peace God gives us is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand (v. 7) It keeps our thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest as we trust in Christ Jesus (from verse 7).

Lord, thank you for helping me get rid of worry. I much prefer Your wonderful flower of peace.   

For Your Consideration

What keeps your weeds from taking over your garden?

Is there anything that is keeping you back from applying the wisdom your Master has already given?

Meditate on each phrase in this passage and listen for what the Holy Spirit will say to you.