Do not be anxious about anything…present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6,7
I realized yesterday that I was anxious because I was not wanting to follow God. I was not trusting Him to work out my day. I needed to get my blog written, and everything seems to go extra slow on the internet when you are in a hurry! I was trying to change this crazy picture to the right to the pink flower which took me forever to figure out. I needed to go grocery shopping, find time to be alone with God, and to make sure I had time to spend with the kids when they get home from their first day of school. And I was just feeling more and more anxious because it didn’t seem like I could get it done.
I was thinking deep down that God won’t provide the time I need to do what I need to do, or maybe He doesn’t want me to do what I want to do. So I mistakenly think I better keep my head down and just push ahead on my own. I better not look up to Him to see what He wants, because I may not like the answer.
But I’ve forgotten how doing His will brings me joy, how it always works out better when I’m following Him, often in inexplicable ways. I’ve forgotten what intimacy I experience as I trust Him.
In reality, I think the things I am trying to get done are pretty much His will, although maybe not in the time I would like. If I just allow Him to pry my fingers off so that He can work them out, I can experience peace. If I will just give them to Him, trusting Him to give me unhurried time to complete them, then I won’t have to worry or be anxious or feel rushed. If I’ll trust Him, I’ll find that has it all perfectly planned out.
Father, help me to trust you to work out my day. Help me to rest in You. It is so hard for me. Thank You that You love us even though we are continuously weak. Thank You that our weakness draws You closer to us and stirs up Your compassion. (Young, 235) I love You.
Blessed…are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him. Isa. 30:18 AMP
Oh, this is so true! I know exactly what you mean, because it happens to me too often.
Thanks for this reminder to surrender it all back to God. May the LORD keep drawing us closer to Himself. He’s so patient!
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[…] August 12, 2008 by joannamallory Do you ever have those days when you’re frustrated, trying to cram too much into too little time, pushing your agenda instead of God’s? Check out God’s girl’s post, “Prying My Fingers Loose.” […]
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Thank you for putting the link on your blog to my post. God is patient! Isn’t that great? May He bless you.
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I can completely relate to all you are saying. I tend to focus on my inabilities and my insecurities in myself instead of how the Lord sees me or what He wants to do in me.
About two months ago, the church I am attending asked me to lead the worship and arts ministry permanetly. I have been an interim for the past year and I have loved every minute of what I am doing. I have gone through both fear and anxiety as well as peace and joy as I have tried to make this decision. I have grown so much in the Lord and my desire to know Him more is stronger than ever. Seeing people fall in Love with Christ is one of my deepest passions and over the past year I have seen so many people find freedom in Christ. I see God doing a new work in New England and I am excited for what He will do next.
I know in my heart the Lord wants me to do this. I am meeting with our pastor and his wife on Sunday to tell them I am going to take the position. I pray the Lord continues to open and awaken the hearts of the worshippers so they desire Him.
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It is awesome to watch people fall in love with Christ. That is so amazing that you see God working in New England. It is an area that needs Him so much.
I’m so thrilled for you that you’re going to take the job! It is exciting to see how God has worked in your life too. May He continue to bless your relationship with Him and your ministry.
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[…] time, pushing your agenda instead of God’s? Check out God’s girl’s post, “Prying My Fingers Loose.” Share this:FacebookTwitterPinterestEmailMoreStumbleUponRedditDiggTumblrLike this:LikeBe the […]
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