June, 11, 2018

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough troubles of its own.”  Matthew 6:33-34

Matthew 6:34 has always made me giggle whenever I have read it.  “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough troubles of its own.”  Kinda reminds me of another phrase “don’t get your knickers in a knot”.  I can certainly relate!

Worry and anxiety are knocking on my door.  I’m not letting them in, but they are making an awful racket on the other side of the door.  They are eager to take up residence in my mind and bring all of their over-sized and outdated luggage with them.

Well, it’s not happening today.  I”m choosing to focus on what Jesus says in verse 33 – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”.   I’ll be looking to see what He is doing and work alongside Him today.  How can I help today?  Who needs encouragement?  What can I learn today and put into practice?  Who can I pray for?  It looks like a full day for me with no time for worry or his side-kick anxiety.

Lord, you hold my day and my life in your hands.  You know what tomorrow will be like so I don’t need to focus on that.  Please redirect my mind back to you whenever I’m distracted by worry and anxiety.  You have better things planned for me today and I don’t want to miss them.

June 12, 2018

“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

People want to know how I am holding up.  I can tell by their questions that they think I am putting on my public brave face to hide my private feelings.

Now, to be honest, for many years now I have worked on what I call my “neutral face” – you know, the facial expression you use while trying to disguise shock, disgust, fear or amusement while talking to your kids or various sales people.  The expression you wear when people talk to you and you don’t want them to know how crazy you think they are.  The neutral face has its place, but can only be used for short periods of time because it takes great concentration which is very exhausting.

I have used my brave face a few times lately.  In doctor’s offices, when telling my family about the diagnosis, and when going through medical tests.  But, like the neutral face, it can only be used for very brief periods of time because it is exhausting.  It is mainly used to help other people not freak out.

So, how am I holding up?  Truthfully, I’m being held up.  There is no other explanation except that the Lord is holding me up and strengthening me.  He must be doing all of the heavy lifting because this burden doesn’t seem as heavy as I thought it would be. I’m being lifted up in prayer by many friends.  My heart is lifted because I have hope and assurance that God is in control.

Isaiah 40:31 says “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength”.  A new kind of strength that only comes from a source outside of myself.  The Source of strength that loves and cares for me and knows the next steps.

If I look like I have a brave face it’s because I know I’m being equipped to run and not grow weary.

Lord, may my face be a reflection of what you are doing in my life.  May others see my dependence on you and your strength in me.  Help me to rest while you are holding me and not fight to hold on to you.  You’ve got me.  I know I’m in the best hands ever.