When we chose to focus on our issue, we opt out of trusting and we opt into second guessing ourselves and God.
We rehearse earth’s language instead of what our Heavenly Father is speaking to our hearts. We find ourselves awake at night; pressure increasing mentally and physically; running in mind circles, we are spent. In an effort to grasp answers we were not meant to define or capture ourselves, our energy is depleted.
Avoid this fitful exhaustion by repeating heaven’s language; the Word that was made flesh, that came to dwell among us. [John 1:14] Rehearsing the Word of God calms our spirit, delivers heaven’s truth to our hearts, and replaces grasping, for what we cannot quite reach on our own, with a trusting peace that is accompanied by REST.
[Tweet “Don’t opt out of trusting, opt in!”]
Don’t opt out of trusting, opt in. “Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises SHAPE your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.” Anyone need to be settled down? Anyone up for some soul rest? I am! “It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” [Philippians 4:6-7 msg]
The thoughts that our mind circles will eventually consume us, so we must chose wisely. Mind circling the wrong things causes stress that bends us out of shape. Ever feel like a plastic jar, on the bottom shelf of a dishwasher, with too much heat being applied? Maybe you have experienced a partial meltdown and now part of you is protruding out, making an unusual shape. The lid that was specifically created for you is not fitting. Yeah, I’ve been there too.
All this potential, all these gifts, all this purpose that’s stored inside – this lid that will not fit . . . so frustrating.
As we grow up into Christ we begin to take on the shape of what we were meant for; to wear this lid created uniquely for you and I. This covering is full of purpose and protection and yet, we often chose to opt out.
When we get tangled up in earth’s language, focusing on what we see and hear in this world, we can quickly take on a strange, worldly form. What God prepared for us to wear is not quite fitting in our present state.
My sweet friends, let’s hold one another accountable. Let’s encourage one another in love, to opt in, to trust God each day. You might look at me or someone else believing that they have it all together. Remember, you only see the outer shell, not the form or state of the heart. We all need others to spur us on in love. Especially on the days we’re home making chocolate soup out of desperation. Let’s encourage each other!
“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” [1 Thessalonians 5:11 msg]
Lord, help each of us to grow up into your love, forming deep roots in you, as you alone shape us, make us, and grow us up into your full purpose and potential for our lives. Help us to opt in, not opt out, when it comes to trusting you. When we find ourselves in a fitful state of mind circling, bring us to our senses, that we might rest in you. Help us to encourage one another in your Word. Thank you Father for your love for us that never quits! In Jesus Name, Amen!
My friend, opt in with me today! Choose trust, over fitful mind circling.
Join me on the journey to more,
Joelle Povolni
