Journey Through Life's Worries....

As we approach another “change of season” in our family… We’re helping our daughter to pray through some tough questions… what college to attend, whether to leave the state, or to stay close to home, what field of work should she pursue, what if her chosen field ends up not where she really wants to be? Just what is God’s “calling” on her life? What if she spends so much money on college and never uses it?...

One daughter has even deeper questions as she ponders medical decisions, yet another stresses over family decisions, another finds worry in decisions for employment…. so many heavy and deep questions can weigh us down. Where do we turn? Children, know that God has His hand on you (even when we can’t see it or feel it, He is there).

“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 ….. BE STILL. This is what God asks of us…. Be still…. And know that I am God…. Know that I am here…. Know that your struggles are not going unseen or uncared for.

By telling us to “be still”, God doesn’t ask us to be idle…. But to be still in our thoughts and worries…. And sometimes we need a reprieve. Even Jesus had to separate himself from the crowds, to be alone, to pray, to fall before His heavenly Father in prayer and desperation, searching for answers and strength. He is faithful…. Pray for Wisdom.

1 Kings 3-5, Solomon asks God for Wisdom….. he did not ask for riches, fame, or providences… He asked for Wisdom, and an understanding mind. In asking for this, God was so pleased that he blessed him abundantly with all of those other things that he did not ask for himself.

My friend recently returned from a missions trip to Haiti (photo). Last week I had the privilege to sit in on one of her presentations, sharing with us how the people live. With joy, thanksgiving, and gladness in their hearts, they had “nothing” of earthly possessions, yet the Christians still have HOPE and joy. Hundreds of thousands sleep in tents, dirt floors, no clean water, NO toys, only a couple articles of clothing, and the children play with garbage (using a milk jug as a kick ball),while their parents wash their clothes in the river.... Yet the impoverished Christians still have joy, laughter and LOVE in their eyes, and hearts.

We are so spoiled here in America…. We are the “richest” of all nations (money and material possessions)…. Yet studies have shown Americans suffer from the highest rates of depression, suicide, broken marriages, broken homes and broken families… WHY??? What is the problem? Do we really need all this STUFF that we think we “need”…. Absolutely not. It’s proven that many with LESS have so much “more”. When I find myself stressing over bills, jobs, careers, colleges, mortgages, or even health issues, I know that there is so much more God desires for us… a simple life, with HIM as our “source”.

So when worries bog you down, your heart is heavy, and you’re not sure where to turn… Turn to HIM, our creator, God. Ask for WISDOM…... Provisions, a profession, and material possessions could possibly be granted as an added “blessing”, but we need to simply seek Him first, and seek His wisdom….. Then the TRUE “riches” will certainly be ours when we find LOVE, JOY and PEACE in HIM.