Faith and Daily Choices

Yesterday at Safeway the checker asked me “how are you doing today?”  I thought about mumbling “fine”–but instead I said, “I’m practicing not worrying”.  She looked at me like I was a bit off, so I said with a smile “Have you ever done that?”  She, did the mumbling, and sort of said “no. But I probably should”.  Next week I get the privilege of teaching on the topic of worry to a bunch of moms.  Wouldn’t you know it–God has me in the middle of some serious things I could really get my worry on about.

I both appreciate and have to laugh at the timing of this pre-scheduled teaching time.  I said yes a few months ago when my life was feeling pretty tame and at peace.  No problem.  I would love to share on this topic.  Then some of life`s unexpected challenges began to arise and I am faced with the challenge do I practice what I am going to preach or not?  Am I going to apply the lessons the Holy Spirit has been showing me, or simply  talk some decent sounding, but empty of life experience platitudes.

I believe God.  I believe God’s Word and I believe His promises. A very close relative of mine has been diagnosed with a very difficult diagnosis. The temptation to worry, at times looms large.  However, because of my prepping for this teaching, I am having more victories that not, thank you Jesus.  Is it easy?  No.  Is it a struggle yes it is.

Our choice during these type of things is to look up or look down.  My devotion for this morning led me to Psalm 121:1-2  I look up to the mountains–does my help come from there?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  We live in an amazing place.  When the skies are clear we can see mountains all around us.  They stand strong and majestic–many snow-covered all year around.  On the way for some lab work yesterday we looked up at the mountains.  The comfort came in the fact we are both trusting the God who made those mountains to help navigate her through this difficult season.  The Lord reminded me a couple of days ago that we need to just take one day at a time.  Her treatment schedule keeps changing so one days plans are swapped for another.  But we are trusting Him to be the God of these changes.

When I am tempted to worry, I put on some worship music and His peace and calm shifts my thoughts to His grace.  We talked yesterday about things we are thankful for.  It was such a blessing we did not have to search our thoughts for a long time–but immediately we came up with several specifics for which we were grateful.  I am saddened that she has to go through this, but it makes me so much more aware of how many others are fighting similar battles.  We choose to trust Him for this day, knowing His grace is sufficient for what we all need for today.  It is my choice to release my faith for her and her family.

I want to remind us today:  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.  I Peter 5:7