Philippians 4:6-8
I am going to be honest. I am very good at worrying about everything. I have always been one of those annoying "what-if" people. Hearing the first line of these verses, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything," sometimes drives me crazy. Don't people know that is so much harder said than done?!
And then I wonder why I only drift in and out of God's peace, not dwell in it permanently.
I am also very good at telling God all of my needs (at least what I think my needs are). I pray and pour my heart out to God and sing songs about surrendering everything to Him but then an hour later, the same thoughts and worries consume my mind.
I think so often as Christians we hear verses like this and tune out because we have heard them so often. In doing so, we miss out on such big things! For example:
1. God wants to know our needs.
- - God desires the kind of relationship with us that we can cry out to Him when we are in need or struggling.
2. God deserves our thanks.
- - Remember all that He has done for us already and give thanks! Are you breathing? He loves you so much he gave you that breath! If He can give life, what is stopping Him from providing everything else in life for you?
3. God gives peace.
- - We all know how much better it feels to finally talk it out with someone. Just imagine what it would be like to talk it out with the Creator who already knows you better than you know yourself!
4. God wants us to continue to live in Christ.
- - Giving things over to God isn't a one-time deal so continually and purposely recognize what things you are still holding on to.
5. God wants us to focus our thoughts on His desires.
- - Something I struggle with after trying to give something over to the Lord is that I continue to think about it. Because of this, nothing really changes. I have gone through the motions but my focus doesn't always change; if it does, it's only for a little bit.
6. God wants us to practice it.
- - This means that it's probably not going to be the easiest thing to do. I will still try to and successfully take things back into my own hands and look at the world through my eyes and not Gods. But that doesn't mean to give up. It takes practice.
God has been teaching me so much through different situations in my life. He is showing me what it's like to hold on to things with open hands so that He may still have control of my life. And let me tell you... sometimes it's hard, sometimes it hurts, and sometimes I might not understand. But in the end, it is all for His glory.
What are some things God is asking you to give up?
Blessings,
Stephanie