July 14, 2020 – From The Darkness Into The Light

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about emotions. These past few months have stirred up a lot of anxiety in people. There has been a lot of loss but there has been a lot of gain. For my family, there was loss of jobs, loss of income, and we’ve even lost a friend, who was an elementary teacher, due to stress. But we’ve gained a lot. Personally, I’ve gained new friends, new job opportunities, new knowledge, a new worship style, a renewed faith in God, and so much more. What the devil meant for evil, God used it for good. We can look at the bad, but what good does that do? It’s so much better to look at the good. When I dwelt on what is good, I can see that God has been providing for us, growing our family closer, and he is opening up new doors. Praise God!

Sometimes when my mind is filled with worry and I cannot dwell on good things there’s a few things I do that’s been helping me. Reciting Philippians 4:6-7 helps me a lot. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

Other times, I’ll put on some calming worship music or play on my guitar. One of my favorites is DappyTKeys Piano Worship on YouTube. It sets the tone. Sometimes it’ll come to mind what I’m struggling with and other times I have to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to me.

Another thing that helps is saying the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is; not as I would have it; Trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Sometimes I try to take control of the situation, and that’s when I end up with anxiety, because it’s just not working! That’s when I need to remember I’m not in control. I cannot control anything but my choices. We live in a world where dependency as an adult is viewed as a weakness. But dependency on God is not a weakness; it’s a strength, because we are strong in him. We are not complete without him.

I also find writing my worries down helps. A couple friends have talked about putting it in their God box. I haven’t exactly done that, but I find just writing it down somehow helps me process my anxious thoughts and then I can let it go. I don’t understand why it works, but it just does.

Lastly, going for a walk or drive helps clear my mind. I’m not sure if it’s the motion or putting myself in a new scenery that helps, but it just works.

These are some of the things I do that help me. I hope it brings value to you and please share with others you think it may benefit. Please feel free to share in the comments what helps you.

I want to thank my friend Pat for giving me the opportunity to share on this blog and I pray for her full recovery. God be with you.

WALKING BY FAITH

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad.
psalm 45/8

And who are those who enjoy the privilege of making the Savior glad? His church—His people. But is it possible? He makes us glad, but how can we make Him glad? By our love. We think it so cold, so faint; and so, indeed, we must sorrowfully confess it to be, but it is very sweet to Christ.

Listen to such love expressed in Solomon’s song: “How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine!” See, loving heart, this is how He delights in you. When you rest in Him you do not only receive, but you also give Him joy; when you gaze with love upon His beauty, you not only obtain comfort but impart delight.

Our praise also gives Him joy—not the song of the lips alone, but the melody…

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