"We can either let painful situations trigger increased dependence upon the Lord, or we can allow doubt, depression, and anger to fill us."
"Nothing comes your way that has not first passed through the filter of his love."
"Begin believing right now that you are about to see God’s goodness in your life."
Isaiah 3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
And by far, the most cumulative message that He has been working out in me, straight from the AWESOME Philippians 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As I said ~ there is definitely a theme, which I am coming to see as this:
I am to fix my mind on the Lord in order to find true peace and contentment, regardless of my circumstances ~ trusting in His strength and love to accomplish all that is needed. Acceptance and notice of each moment, wherever they may find me, is to acknowledge that He is more than enough and has already provided all that is needed. And love and kindness for others will show Him to the world, sharing the gift I've been given.
And POOF ~ gone is the apprehension! I now understand. Putting this all together in this way has allowed Him to speak to the untrusting areas of my heart that always assume the worst. I can see clearly now ~ there is to be no fear because, regardless of what happens, it is all of Him and my trust in Him will carry me through. I must open my heart and ears in order to hear Him and heed His direction in my life. And now I just have to let this settle in my soul as truth to live by, and let Him do the rest ~ because I know no one will ever love me like He does!
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