Down boy!
Thoughts on what to do as we wait in the midst of crisis:
Yesterday I heard one of our congressmen use the word “panic” as he discussed our nation’s, and the world’s, state of financial affairs.
I have to admit to feeling a bit of panic rise up within me when I listen to the television or when I allow myself to stop the radio dial on a financial report, when I pick up the newspaper or when a bill arrives in the mail!
I first get the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Then it rises to my heart and, if I continue to dwell on the negative topic, the silent swish swish of the wonderful pump that keeps my body alive steps up to a roaring thump thump thump!
Next, an overwhelming feeling of sadness creeps up my throat and into my tear ducts. At some point I have to put a stop to the rising panic.
Quickly I must reason with myself.
“Today’s affairs are out of my control.”
Down panic!
“What I do have control over is my focus.”
Down panic!
“God is my refuge.”
Down panic!
Slowly the Holy Spirit takes over and reminds me to refocus as I wait for the circumstances in my environment to settle down.
So what becomes my focus? I can turn to areas of my life where my prayers, activities, and efforts make a difference.
I can reach out to my neighbor living out what I claim to believe: “the peace that passes all understanding.”
I can help my mother-in-law in the areas of her life where she is no longer capable.
I can encourage my friends.
I can pray for my family.
There is something else I can do. I can make a difference in a ministry where I find great satisfaction. That would be Proverbs 31 Ministries.
You can too!
Read today's devotion: Encouragement for Today
Thoughts on what to do as we wait in the midst of crisis:
Yesterday I heard one of our congressmen use the word “panic” as he discussed our nation’s, and the world’s, state of financial affairs.
I have to admit to feeling a bit of panic rise up within me when I listen to the television or when I allow myself to stop the radio dial on a financial report, when I pick up the newspaper or when a bill arrives in the mail!
I first get the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Then it rises to my heart and, if I continue to dwell on the negative topic, the silent swish swish of the wonderful pump that keeps my body alive steps up to a roaring thump thump thump!
Next, an overwhelming feeling of sadness creeps up my throat and into my tear ducts. At some point I have to put a stop to the rising panic.
Quickly I must reason with myself.
“Today’s affairs are out of my control.”
Down panic!
“What I do have control over is my focus.”
Down panic!
“God is my refuge.”
Down panic!
Slowly the Holy Spirit takes over and reminds me to refocus as I wait for the circumstances in my environment to settle down.
So what becomes my focus? I can turn to areas of my life where my prayers, activities, and efforts make a difference.
I can reach out to my neighbor living out what I claim to believe: “the peace that passes all understanding.”
I can help my mother-in-law in the areas of her life where she is no longer capable.
I can encourage my friends.
I can pray for my family.
There is something else I can do. I can make a difference in a ministry where I find great satisfaction. That would be Proverbs 31 Ministries.
You can too!
Read today's devotion: Encouragement for Today
and consider becoming a partner with this incredible ministry
4 Comments:
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. You have a very unique blog. Your right we should not panic, God is in control and we just need to keep our eyes on Him and let Him lead us. I put a new post up today. It's in memory of our niece and her husband's twin that died last month from a car wreck 5 minutes away from home. They were so much a part of our lives for many years when they were growing up. We had not seen the twins since 2003. Our niece is having a really hard time but she knows that God is taking care of her. They adopted the twins when they were 3 months old. Now their grandfather is in the hospital in very serious condition. I need to post this on Rachel's blog. It was through Rachel Olsen's bible study of women that I got started doing this and it has been such a blessing to me.
Blessings to you,
AliceE.
Van,
This is such a good post at a great timing. It is easy to panic in these days but God is our stronghold. Thank you for the reminder of that! May God bless you and your obedience to Him.
Much love,
Angela
When I was a little girl, a sweet friend taught me a song that just said,
Why worry when you can pray?
Your post made me think of it again. ... and sing.
Sweet Blessings,
DeeDee
Hi Van
Great Post! When being hit with the storms of life we need to look to the one who controls the storm...I believe it was Paul who said that whatever is praiseworthy we are to think on these...it is a radical thought for me to let go-take my eyes off of the events that surround me and focus on God's word and promises...to trust Him...Yes how wonderful to be able to walk in that Peace that passes all understanding.
In His Love,
Debrah
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