Things Above

The Bible tells us to “think on things above”. With all of our distractions here on earth, that can get pretty tricky. How can we actually do this? I often feel like I’m getting hit left and right by issues, distractions, anxieties, the list can go on and on. But what am I focusing on? Where is my mind, my thought process, and my heart? Am I just on autopilot, struggling through daily activities because I’m keeping my mind full of anxieties and the lies that Satan keeps trying to parade in front of me? Do I entertain any of these thoughts? Or do I rebuke them and Satan in the powerful Name of Jesus? It is so very easy to think on these things, maybe that is why we are told in Scripture to think on things above and resist the Devil. We can’t do this alone. We would be totally lost. But praise God, He has sent the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Call upon Him.

“But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God,”

Romans 15:15

Unanswered Prayers

Sometimes we are so at a loss, that we don’t even know what to say or what to pray for. Sometimes there are no words, but God still understands you and is always there. He knows your heart, your pain, and your joy.

All of us have been through valleys,

some more than others. We question why things happen, often without the answers we seek. We can sometimes focus on things that just don't even matter, compared to the big picture. There are some things we may just never have the answer to until we are in the next life. Don’t get so caught up in things that ultimately don’t matter, that you miss what really does matter. It’s okay to have questions and God wants you to come to Him with anything. But while something may not make sense right now, it may make perfect sense down the road. Have you ever prayed for something so ardently and then look back with relief that the prayer was never answered? We don’t always have the full picture, only God has that power. If we don’t know how to pray, pray for God's Will to be done. We know His Will will always be the very best for us. Just like a parent wants the best for their child, so much more so does God want the best for His children.

“And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 6:18

Family Tree

Having come from a long line of worriers, I sometimes try to blame my forefathers for being such a worrier. While we know genetics play a part in our health, I also know my choices have consequences on my health as well. I can’t place all the blame on great, great grandpa. We can’t use our family as an excuse to give up or give in. Every decision I make could have a lasting consequence. Talk about pressure! Like we don’t have enough coming at us? We can’t eat this or don’t use this. And we thought this was healthy, but it is now bad for you. You have to have this much saved by this age and have this much in your kids college fund by the time they turn three months old. It can be exhausting and overwhelming. No wonder our society is more stressed than ever before in modern history. Who makes these rules anyway? I give credit to anyone who has it all together, but that is not I. I am a lost lamb and am only saved by the grace of God. I need Him and want Him. Maybe that is why God allows anxiety in my life? Now don’t get me wrong, God is good and evil does not come from God. That is from Satan alone. But I do have to ask myself if I didn’t struggle with anxiety, would I seek out God as much as I have? I have to be honest with myself and say I am not sure. While anxiety is a struggle, my trials have also helped me grow, although I really, really hate that part.  Seeking Him in good and bad is a habit I am learning, but it is a daily practice. I am thankful for God’s grace and blessings, none of which I deserve, but which I gratefully accept. So let’s not get too caught up in the things we cannot change, but focus on what God has in front of you today.

“casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter