Oh, Well!

I sent a lengthy email to a friend, bearing my filled-with-concerns soul, but being the optimist soul that I am, I was pleased to add my resolutions to the concerns also. In reply, my friend said, "You are way too concerned about little things. Stop overthinking!" I needed that bold admonition.

Truth and wise counsel was well taken, especially when I picked up my "Jesus Calling" daily devotional book for yesterday and also heard God's voice telling me the same thing: "Try to see things more and more from My perspective. Let the Light of My Presence so fully fill your mind that you view the world through Me. When little things don't go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say, "Oh, well." This simple discipline can protect you from being burdened with an accumulation of petty cares and frustrations. If you practice this diligently, you will make a life-changing discovery: You realize that most of the things that worry you are not important. If you shrug them off immediately and return your focus to Me, you will walk through your days with lighter steps and a joyful heart."

"Oh, well." What wise words for those of us who take life way too seriously. We get all tied up and knotted up about such trivial matters. Oh, well! We find ourselves questioning ourselves about whether or not we said the right thing or not. Oh, well! "I completely blew it when I forgot that appointment! Oh, well!" "The cinnamon rolls I made for the church bake sale didn't rise! Oh, well!" "No one complimented my new haircut. Oh, well!" "I overcooked the meat loaf! Oh, well!" I had to send my child to school in a wrinkled shirt! Oh, well!

Maybe, today, you're worried and concerned about many things, too. Jesus said those words to Martha in Luke 10:41. I think He was probably wanting her to say "Oh, well! I'll just sit right down here at your feet, leave the meal and the dishes, and let you be my worry-and-concern-bearer." That's what I'm doing! Oh well!

Your Word is a Lamp to my Feet

Oh how grateful I am when I sense "a word" to post, and then God sends His "atta girl" to me.  For the last two days I've posted about disappointments, His appointments, set ups, set backs, perspective, etc.  I just read today's "Jesus Calling" and want to show you what I mean.  Perhaps, if you're reading this with me, that He's giving you an "atta girl" or "atta boy", too.  It just may be a confirming word for both of us!

Jesus Calling -- November 3rd
Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me. This practice has several benefits.  The first is obvious:  Talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship.  Another benefit is that DISAPPOINTMENTS, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good.  This transformation removes the sting from difficult circumstances, making it possible to be joyful in the midst of adversity.

Begin by practicing this discipline in all the little DISAPPOINTMENTS of daily life.  It is often these minor SETBACKS that draw you away from My Presence.  When you reframe SETBACKS as OPPORTUNITIES, you find that you gain much more than you have lost.  It is only after much training that you can accept major losses in this positive way.  But it is possilbe to attain the PERSPECTIVE of the apostle Paul who wrote:

"Compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignficant as rubbish."  Philippians 3:7-8

TRUST ME in the Depths of Your Being

Day 209 of Photo Inspirations -- TRUST ME in the Depths of Your Being!
"I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight....." Isaiah 45:2  That was the scripture that came to me, on two separate occasions, in the last two days.  Coincidentally, two of my friends, on the same day, shared with me that their world was in a state of chaos and that they needed clarity on some very important decisions they were making.  As I prayed with each one, individually, those words in that scripture from Isaiah came to me.....that He would make the crooked places straight in our lives.  And, in return He asks that we TRUST HIM.

Yesterday morning, I opened up my "Jesus Calling" devotional and read that day's message.  I knew, emphatically, that those were words I needed to hear -- as well as my friends.  Perhaps these are words for you to hear too!  Just maybe, by happenstance, you saw my post pop up on your Facebook page.  And just maybe it was perfectly orchestrated by God to help you through this day, making those difficult decisions with God's peace abiding in you.  Perhaps, these words will be the difference-maker in situations you are dealing with today.  I sure hope so.  

July 31st --
"TRUST ME in the depths of your being.  It is there that I live in constant communion with you.  When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself.  You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming  Rather than scolding yourself for your humanness, remind yourself that I am both with you AND within you.

I am with you at ALL times,  encouraging and supportive rather than condemning.  I know that deep within you, where I live, My Peace is your continual experience.  Slow down your pace of living for a time.  Quiet your mind in My Presence.  Then you will be able to hear Me bestowing the resurrection blessing:  Peace be with you."

My favorite words in that devotional were:  "I am both with you AND within you."  Imagine that -- the God of the universe is not only hanging out with us -- He is smack dab right inside of us.  With all that knowledge; with all that power; with all that ability; with all that peace and love -- how can we possibly make the wrong decision?  How can we NOT be successful.  Let Him make the crooked places straight in your life today, and start with receiving His resurrection blessing of knowing His peace IS with us.