Breathe
There is a mass of confusion at my house right now. I have boxes piled high, cupboards emptied and decorations wrapped up like presents. It is a challenge to find anything that I’m looking for as I make my way through the maze of chaos which currently represents my home. I have packed up to move several times in my life, but on this occasion I’m noticing that stress and worry is playing havoc with me. I work full time and because of that, I keep wondering how everything will ever get done! My mind races from one thing to another as I go through my mental list of to-do’s and chores until I’m running on massive “overload”! But, I need to remember to take time to breathe…and let God be God.
In Paul’s grateful letter to the Philippians, he tells us to rely on Christ for our strength, for through Him, we can accomplish all that God wills. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Upon reflecting on that verse, I feel peace returning. I know that God is aware of what I need to get done, not simply what I want to get done. He knows my time parameters, but more than that, He already has a plan and knows how and when everything will and should work out. I know that He will strengthen me and allow me to complete what He wants me to complete. And so, I pause and take time to breathe…and let God be God.
In the Gospel of Mark there is a time recorded when Christ’s disciples were exhausted from ministering to the people. They were so busy that they hadn’t even had time to feed themselves. But, Jesus reminded them that they all needed to take time to get away and rest. “Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). When life is coming at you full force, the temptation is to not stop. I see the tendency in me to keep running and working until the job is done. But, as a result the work suffers, as does my emotional and physical self. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). It is important to come before the Lord with our burdens for He will refresh and strengthen us. And so, I come before Him and take time to breathe…and let God be God.
And in those quiet moments of refreshment, when I am still and calm, the Lord will comfort and strengthen me enabling me to complete what He needs me to complete. He is big enough for all my burdens. He is always working. He is always sovereign. He is always God. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). So, I take time to breathe…and let God be God.
Living for Him, Joan
You can read more of Joan’s devotionals by visiting The Beauty in His Grip.
Joan, such words of advice for those of us who are in the midst of a season of change and often uncertainty. But one thing we know as believers in Jesus, is that He does not change. He promises to be with us through it all. He is our strength and our provider and will give us the strength we need to move forward.
Change can be stressful but it can also be exciting, especially when we trust the Lord.
Love you,
Debbie
Thanks for the encouragement sweetie.
Amen to that, Joan. If we turn to Him for peace and comfort, things get done (in time).
Thank you so much for sharing these words of wisdom with us. I hope your move will go smoothly.
Joan, such a great encouraging Word for us worriers. I am so grateful for God’s peace in times of hurriedness and stress. Thanks for sharing with us today!
I needed this encouraging devotion. Thank you dear friend.