I think most people in this day and age would agree–these are stressful times. Maybe more stressful on our soul, body and spirits. This week I’ve encountered sad news, bad news and distressing encounters. How about you? I’ve also had some good news, happy news and answers to prayer! The Lord showed me that the negative news seems to cling much longer than the positive.
The first thing we have to do is accept the fact these kind of things do touch our soul. None of us are impervious to the effects of difficulties. As much as the “perfect” me can carry and deal with hard things–I had to admit I can’t, but He can. So what does that mean? It takes time and deliberate steps to process the negative news and give it over to the Lord. I Peter 5: 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. The King James version uses the word cast. Either way there must be a transfer of sorts–from us to Him. Anxiety and cares in the Greek is mermna. From meiro-“to divide” and noos, “the mind”. Our anxieties and cares come into our lives and divide our thoughts and distract us from His thoughts and His ways. Merimna means to be anxious beforehand about daily life. We have a savior who is looking after those things. It is not our portion. When things come fast and furious at us, it is hard to take the time to do the transfer. But we must do so. An often missing step is to pray about the situation, but not do the transfer. I have had to slow down and prayerfully, give Him each and every care. As I really focus on Him–His ways and His words, my faith and trust grows so I can truly make the transfer. Then it is up to Him how He chooses to answer these prayers.
Psalm 139:23 Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Understand, He already knows every area of our thought life. I encourage you to read the entire Psalm. It is so encouraging and up lifting. God knows those areas of our heart that trouble us. Do not fear praying this prayer. It is often the first step to greater freedom in our walk with Him. He searches with grace and mercy, but also with truth, and that truth always bring freedom. Freedom from guilt, shame and the resulting anxiety from carrying such emotions saddles us with. When we take time to pray these “transfer” prayers, the Holy Spirit often points out areas where we need to grow in trust, or allow His finished work on the cross to be applied. Revelation 12:11 tells us we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
This week as I received the sad news, bad news and even disturbing news I made a conscious effort to focus on the positive news. At our Life Group I listened with intent at the God stories the ladies shared. I asked them to pray for some of my “stuff” and their caring prayers touched my heart. We need the two or three believing in agreement often times to help us know we are not alone.
As I took the time to transfer my cares to Him, joy came. Peace came. Hope came. It took time, but I was with Him and that was good!! I encourage you to do the same–make it a habit!
Faith Encounters 