04 November 2011

Peace or Anxiety?


“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds
are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Isaiah 26:3

The Bible is not a book about people who love God and never have problems. We can read story after story about good people who suffered loss - and life is no different today.

Circumstances happen, problems arise, situations catch up with us.

As hard as I try, I can’t control everything!

God has tried to teach me this lesson over and over and over and over again – but do I listen?

NO, and once again I am in the midst of a situation that I cannot control!

Anxiety or peace?

Because of God ... I have a choice!

So today the question is ... “How can I cope with unemployment and still keep an optimistic attitude that God will provide for my needs?”

I can choose to “worry” and ask myself the following questions:

• What if God wants something from me that I can’t give, or don’t like?
• What if God leads me down a road I don’t want to travel?
• What if God’s plans don’t include the plans I have for myself?

Or I can choose “peace” and remember what I’ve learned from scripture:

• Blessing and loss exist for the glory of God!
• He has a plan and purpose for our existence!
• Life is not about never suffering loss and having to endure hardship - it is about maintaining absolute trust in God!

Jehovah Jira is an ancient phrase, which in our everyday language means, "the Lord will provide." I may not know what my next job will be, or where my next paycheck will come from, but I do know that God has a plan for my life - He is in control! So I will fix my eyes on God and trust Him - I choose PEACE.

So now the question becomes ... “What marvelous unexplored possibilities and opportunities are mine to discover - where is God leading me through this experience?”

I can’t wait to find out!

It’s Friday, let’s “sparkle” ... action required ... As you go about your activities this weekend, keep your eyes and ears open for those around you that may be unemployed. And don’t forget to take action - offer an encouraging word, send a note containing a handwritten message or some scripture verses, ask them if there is anything you can do to help, pray for them!

Until Monday, have a great weekend...
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- I Peter 5:7

2 comments:

Kathi said...

Hi Donna (Sis2),

Please forive me since it has been quite awhile since I've posted any comments. My daughter was very ill for about a month and "Praise the Lord", I think she is finally getting better.

I'm sure that I have already mentioned this to you before but I have been unemployed for quite some time now. God does have a perfect plan for all of us and I feel very confident that you will find work real soon...I do remember feeling very "anxious" about my finances or lack of, but the Lord has certainly provided in all areas. You are always in my thoughts and prayers...

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests God. (Philippians 4:6)

P.S. I sure do have alot of reading to catch up on. I have been very involved in my Celebrate Recovery 12-Step class at church and I have tons of homework...I also can't remember the last time I blogged anything. Lorraine and I are experiencing some tech difficulties with our blog.. :(

Take care Sis2...

Lv, Hugs and Blessing,
Little Sis

Donna Weaver said...

Kathi...

So good to hear from you. I always worry when I don't hear from you for a long period of time. Sorry to hear that your daughter was ill, but glad that she is getting better.

Thank you for your words of encouragement regarding my unemployment. I really do believe that God will provide, but it happened sooner than originally planned so I did feel quite anxious. This week I am calmer. Thanks for the scripture verse - it always helps to dwell on God's word instead of our own thoughts. I am glad to have some time to concentrate on school work, and packing as I will be moving by end of month. It's only going to be a temporary move until I can get a job and regroup financially.

I am glad you have been so involved with Celebrate Recovery... it's an awesome program. I had some friends that were involved in my church back in SC!

As far as your blogging... things will work out when the timing is right. Until then I will add your tech issues to my prayer list!

Little Sis... I think of you often and even though we are miles apart, we are connected by our faith in an awesome God. Take care of yourself and keep in touch!

God's Peace, Donna aka Sis2