I can be stubborn and strong willed. You?
Maybe that is why I like the scriptures that talk about God doing what he wants. Well, I’m not God and when I do things that I want it’s not necessarily always the best choice.
When God does what he pleases, he has His purpose and our best in mind.
I love how God uses absolutely anyone and anything to accomplish his will. Nothing is waisted in his hands. He does what he wants and rightly so, He is God.
“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalm 115:3).
Why should we be dismayed when circumstances pivot?
I get all the obvious reasons and I’ve been there so many times, and yes, things happen that turn our world upside down and knock us off course and yet, God sees and knows what we don’t. His vision spans all of time and beyond.
He sees the beginning from the end.
He knows what it takes.
He always finishes what he starts.
He has a plan that will not fail.
Nothing throws him off.
Therefore we can have rest.
That “right now” kind of rest. The kind that can bring a calm right in the middle of chaos and uncertainties and brokenness.
I know this because I have experienced what does not make sense: The peace of God.
The hardest part can be making that choice. Especially when emotions are tugging at our sleeve and begging to be explored as we try to process what we are experiencing. And that is not all bad, yet it’s not worth it to let our emotions take charge.
We must choose His peace over the unrest that threatens us. Every. Single. Day.
“And LET the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” Colossians 3:15-17).
The question is how do I “let the peace that comes from Christ rule?”
1. Pray. Turn your worries into prayers. If you have time to repeat anxious thoughts, you have time to pray.
2. Trust. What problems has God solved in your life, that you could not. Think on these things to build your faith and trust in Him.
3. Believe. Believe that God has the answer because He does. Repeat a scripture in your mind that you can replace your doubt with every time.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. HIS PEACE WILL guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
The Word of God is a powerful light even when . . . You fill in that blank.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). A constant strength I can turn too. There is something about this scripture that calms my heart. Maybe it’s the familiarity of hearing it most of my life.
The Bible is the only book that you and I can read while the author is present with us.
He can open our hearts to reveal His Word to us and transform us by His Word. His power never ceases to absolutely amaze me.
So tonight if you are agitated. God knows. He knows the source. He knows how to establish himself right down in the messy middle of it all and bring peace while shedding light on your path.
Will you let him?
Will I let him?
It’s our choice.
Some days I choose well and other times I waste time trying to “handle it” or “overthink it” which honestly means worry about what I cannot control.
That is the stubborn in me, even though deep down I want His peace and rest and really, I can’t live without it and yet the struggle is continues.
Let’s let His peace win so we can win y’all!
In It With You My Friends!
Blessings to you,
Joelle Povolni
P.S. If you struggle too, know you aren’t alone. God is so patient while we learn and grow up in Him. Chin up my friend! You got this with God’s help! “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you” (1 Peter 5:7). If you are Unraveled and Looking For Rest read more here.