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I sure would like an attitude of peace. I would rather not be anxious. In the hurriedness of this world, with all its conflicting demands and limited time to meet them, to have the peace of God is very appealing. I have been there before it seems like the world and its associated cares seems to frequently intrude. Still, there is something that happens in my heart when I earnestly pray.
Sometimes, I think it would be better if I could be a farmer Looking at it as a non-farmer, it ought to be clear to a farmer that there are a certain things that he can do (plant, weed, cultivate, fertilize, harvest) and certain things that he can’t (bring rain, avoid droughts, floods, frost, tornadoes, heat, late frosts, etc. ) It seems like it would be clear to a farmer that his outcome is dependent God’s goodness. He would have to trust in God – even if he just calls it nature (or what the Calvinist’s would say God’s general grace).
As a non-farmer, I sometimes find myself confused. That is one of the big areas where I loose my focus. I try to take control and responsibility for things that I cannot control. I seem to prefer certainty (or the appearance of certainty) about temporal things when no certainty really exists. I think that is often where anxiety comes from. I struggle sometimes to truly recognize that my ability to earn a living, my health, the well-being of my family, and many, many other things are really dependent on God’s goodness and His provision rather than something that I can muster. To depend on God… is it a "let go and let God"? Does that mean that I shouldn’t work diligently, care for my health, or my family? No. But it does mean that I ought to do my part in all of these areas (including employment) and be able to rest in the fact that God will accomplish His purposes. Jesus lived his life in a balance between what He was to do and what the Father was to do. He never seemed hurried. Why do I? After all, I cannot count the hairs on my head but God already has. Consider His great love for us. Then again, farmers, or fishermen, or store owners probably have the same struggle.
Are there areas where you feel yourself compelled to strive beyond what you can do? To be anxious? Are you willing to just do your part and depend on God?
I know you guys are enjoying your cruise. What a great way to celebrate 25 years of marriage. Congratulations!
I often feel compelled and anxious to do what is beyond my ability to do, especially when it comes to my children and grandchildren. My nature is to take responsibility rather than depend on God. I am a true Martha – I want to just jump in there and do what I think needs to be done. Then when I mess up, I end up feeling, “Oh wretched woman that I am.” I MUST seek Him first and find the balance between what He wants me to do and what I should depend on Him to do – or accept that it is His will that it not to be done at all. Thank God, He is not finished with me yet.
I love the verse .”Peace I leave with you,not as the world gives,give I unto you.” The word I love is leave,He leaves peace like a present at a doorstep. Peace is just left and i just have to take it. What a gift.
John, Thanks for sharing this. this one hits home for me. I take care of a younger brother and I have to really pray hard to not be anixious over things that are beyond my control. I needed this reminder.