Tag: Overcoming Anxiety

Finding Strength in Spiritual Struggles

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ~Romans 8:26-27 NIV

If life is happening, then you’re capable of handling its demands. This is something I’ve learned to say to myself. Especially after what appear to be tough times.

I called an old friend yesterday. She’s going through exactly what I struggled with five years ago. I remember hitting my own low point and feeling completely defeated. She sounded weary when she picked up, hopeless and unsure of herself. The worst part was that all her anxiety stemmed from worrying about local gossip and how others viewed her—I know that struggle intimately.

It’s an interesting truth that the struggles my friend is facing now are the same ones I once went through, and someone else is likely facing them, too. It can feel incredibly isolating, which is often the intention of the “prince of this world” as he wants us to feel alone and blow aimlessly with the winds of persecution.

But God has a different plan. He wants you to stay steadfast, with your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. While it is genuinely difficult to remain prayerful during such challenging moments, God knows exactly when to intervene powerfully on your behalf.

Trust the process. Remember that the rarest and most precious gems are often formed under the most difficult, unexplainable, and uncontrollable situations. Your strength is being forged in this moment. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Lord, I surrender my heart to Your scrutiny. Expose any hidden corners, any anxious thoughts, any way that offends You. Fill the emptiness with Your transforming peace, that I might know Your presence fully. Amen

Day Forty Two – Removing Clutter

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”

Ephesians 3:20

Yesterday, I did something unexpected and amazing! I took down the once white faux plantation blinds in the kitchen window. Sadly they had turned several shades of brown, ranging from near white to a dark dirty scary splotchy browns.  And adding to their unsightly appearance was the heavy gray dust that probably was hosting a party for germs of all sorts. Honestly, I’d seen the condition of the blinds a month or so ago from the outside and made a mental note to clean them. Yet, cleaning those blinds didn’t seem as important to me as nursing my depression, disappointments, anger, and etc. But, yesterday, as I stood at the kitchen window listening to Priscilla Shirer, I felt the spirit of the living God move within me.  It was clear it didn’t matter what choir I did as long as I did something to show I was still in the game of life.  So, I got the small ladder we use to climb in bed.  Took it to the sink cabinet.  Climb up.  Unlatched the brackets holding up the blinds.  Took the blinds down.  I filled one side of the sink with one third of water and added a large amount of Clorox to a few drops of Dawn.  The process of washing the blinds was not easy because my mind is filled with everything.  Yet, I managed to clean the blinds and was blessed with a feeling of accomplishment at the end.  A feeling I’ve been longing to experience but couldn’t because of my mindset of feeling overwhelmed.  Let’s pray!

PRAYER:

Father God, most times we are blind to the meaning of our emotions.  Please remove the scales off our spiritual eyes that prohibit us from seeing spiritually and let us see why we do what we do.  Afterwards, give us your peace, your understanding and your strength to make necessary changes that will help us grow in you.  Amen 

July 20, 2023

Finding Your Way – Perfect Peace

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

A few days ago I was in a meeting that I’d hoped for a better outcome that would end years of infighting. It was clear from the opposing side there was no resolution because their message was about getting revenge based upon their objections that were filled with lies and half-truths. As I sat in silence I listened intently and wrote most if not all of their grievances. And as each of their complaints were addressed with satisfactory and truthful answers to explain my actions, then they began to inundate the meeting with off-the-cuff complaints. And I’d already addressed foreseeable issues before they became an avenue for anyone to say I’d wrong them. Today as I start my day I’m in “perfect peace” because my mind and my actions were done for the love I have for Christ. I live my life in such a way that I want to convey to God I’m grateful for every blade of grass. Because! I learned decades ago we can only be our best and have perfect peace when we learn the art of gratefulness in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, someone’s life is filled with an untold amount of stress. Speak gently to their souls on being grateful as learning this critical life lesson will open the door to your perfect peace. Amen

Praying for World Favour

takeittothelord2
Artist: Henry Lee Battle

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanks giving, present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Amen

Good morning, Lord!  Today I ask that you pour out your favour on the World.  Amen