Monday, April 11, 2011

Any given Monday

 On any given Monday...

...I'm tempted to feel anxious about my week.

...I'm tempted to question whether I can handle it all.

...I'm tempted to shy away from work and conflict and hurt.

...I want to walk the path of least resistance.

...I'm tempted to forget that I'm a daughter of the Lord Almighty.

...I wonder what I'm doing.

...I have to rely on educated guesses. And sometimes not even educated ones.

...I want something I don't have.

...I feel afraid of the unknown.

...I mess up. Maybe several times.

And on any given Monday, my Father in heaven has something to say to me.

He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
Isaiah 50:4

I hear Peace. Rest. Believe.

As Oswald Chambers says, the "rest" which the Lord offers us is not a lying-down-taking-a-nap kind of rest. It is an inner rest of the soul that enables us to do just the opposite, to rise up out of that which holds us down and DO precisely the thing God wants us to do. His rest brings action and productivity. Rest is not always quiet and calm.

On any given Monday, I have a choice to listen to the Lord or be consumed with my own ideas about the week. There's no doubt my ideas are louder.

I may have to walk through this verse once or twice. I learned this verse in high school. I needed it as much then as I do now. It's a formula, of sorts, and I love formulas. OK, I guess promise is a better word.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

So good.
 
On any given Monday, this is my prayer, for myself and for you.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Yeah, joy and peace and hope.

This Monday, I'm going to trade up for a little more of that.


{Hoping you have a good one, friends.}

8 comments:

  1. I love this. Definitely needed to hear this right now.

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  2. i love these verses and pray them for myself so many times.

    i miss you friend!

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  3. Holy moly I cannot believe how your thoughts/convictions speak to me right where Im at! Seriously, I havent done my Life Made Lovely post yet this morning but its right along the lines of this. Thanks for the confirmation:)
    Im about to email you about the C&C giveaway too.
    Have a wonderful week my sweet friend!
    xo,
    Sarah

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  4. Your posts are always so encouraging. You truly let the Lord speak through your writing.

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  5. love this! just posted some ramblings with a similar theme! thanks for sharing!

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  6. That Philippians verse is one of my faves. Such comfort to be found in God's Word.

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  7. This post is so perfect for what i’m going through right now. I’m wondering if you wouldn’t mind me reposting this on my blog? perfectisboring-ellen(at)blogspot(dot)com. I will for sure link back to you and give you all the credit!

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