Well today is my 41st birthday. So many things I could say about my life but I will sum it up with the word "blessed". God has me on an incredible journey and has surely blessed me along the way with a beautiful family as well as the many adventures He has me on.
For whatever reason it is 2am and here I sit wide awake. Often when this happens, it is because the Lord has woken me up to be in prayer. I have already been at that point tonight, as I have not been to sleep yet this evening/ morning, so instead I have been praying for so many people and situations. For some odd reason this time I cannot go back to sleep...so here I sit staring at my blog. Normally when I write, there is a purpose. I know there will be with this one too as I just continue to write. As I ask the Lord why I am still awake, the word "anxiety" immediately comes to mind. So many things on my plate right now....so many good things that my mind is racing over all I need to do. Some of my friends call that the "administrative" part of me. Ha ha! Do you ever get that way? One of the things on my mind is the fact that I am believing for a perfect job for me and my family, as both of my girls will be in school in the fall, and I am believing to get into a school doing something that I love to do, help students in one way or another. Next I am preparing for a week long camp, in the next couple weeks, where I will be speaking, singing, and also coaching volleyball....all things I love to do and am super excited about it. Trying to get all my "ducks in a row" for it over the last 6 months, however, has been a challenge while facing two computer crashes and having to start with my notes and music from scratch again. I have learned, however, the "save it on the flash drive" lesson finally. I have also recently been invited to a church in Michigan, to lead a praise and worship type service along with my friend Wayne playing guitar and singing, and with my husband Tim at my side, sometime in the next year (the date is pending). So you see, that even though these are all positive things (stimulus) I am seeing that the anxiety over it all is making my mind race. For all I know, as you are reading this, maybe you are dealing with your own anxieties in your life caused by your own life's stimulus....either good or bad. Lets see what the Bible says about anxiety:
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV).
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
(Also see Psalm 55:22-23)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). (Also see Matthew 6:25-34)
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10).
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6).
“…put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:1)
So the Bible is very clear on dealing with anxiety in saying that we are not to carry it, but instead we are to cast all of our cares on Him. He also reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who is the One who gives us the strength we need in order to accomplish what has been laid in front of us. Praise God for His promises!!! So when those anxieties come...we need to cast those thoughts away and instead stay focused on and say aloud His promises and claim them right into our lives. So SPEAK 'EM OUT and step into the ZONE OF FAITH...knowing God has our back. And with that, I am going to bed to get some sleep. After all, its my birthday!! ;) Night all!!
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