People say I'm amazingly calm or respond better than they'd expect in these tough times. Or they ask how I can handle things. I've pondered this a few days to be able to try to give an answer...
8-25-2010
I was thinking today, I don't see my responses to situations as being great or especially calm. But, when I think on it... it is just another indication of God working in/through me. What I do see when I try to "analyze" it (which I tend to), is that it is much easier to lean on God's strong arm and let HIM carry me through the tough times in life. I know it is not easy at first to "let go and let God" but trusting HIM is easier than fighting through on my own.
This does not mean that I won't be "weathered by the storms of life" or that I have fewer storms or they are not as bad. It doesn't mean that I'm detached or less emotional.
It does mean that I'm less stressed (not unstressed) because I'm not wearing myself out fighting what I can't help/fix anyway.
It is God in me, but He allows me to choose to rest in HIM...this is the peace people see.
8-27-2010
I think this sums up what I feel...
Psalm 91:1 & 2
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
I have found the secret place, I trust in HIM, and rest in the sheltering shadow of the Almighty...in HIS arms. HE is my refuge and my fortress (safety).
I find that my frustrations and stresses now are more about the things I should be able to fix (a cleaner house, better behaved kids, etc.) And not so much about things I can't fix (waiting on the loan to go through so we can move, dealing with Joey's health, hearing, & Dr's.)
If I can't fix it, then all I can do is trust. Why wear myself out worrying or fighting something I can't do anything about anyway? It is much better to rest in HIS strength and safety.
Also, it is important to realize that HIS “safety” is not always the same as our idea of “safety”, just as HIS will is not always our will. But, when we learn to trust HIM to do what is best, we can accept HIS will even when we don't see the “good” at first. Again, we can't fix it, why fight it?
8-29-2010
The rest of that chapter in Psalms is comforting too. Verse 15 also speaks to me...
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
This is the key...Call on the LORD! Then trust HIM with the outcome.
Another of my long time favorite verses:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
God has a plan, there is an “expected end” nothing surprises HIM. He wants peace for me, not evil.
When will this happen? What can I do to bring peace? Not a thing, but call on HIM, seek Him...and trust...
Jeremiah 29: 12 & 13
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
My hope is that by sharing a piece of the "Peace" that I've found, I can encourage someone else, as well as remind myself in days to come where to turn for strength.
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