Staying refreshed. Yes, that’s my goal these days. I have felt such oppression of late to the point that I believe Satan is working overtime on me. Perhaps you’ve heard it in hints along the way in my writing.
I have felt overwhelmed with various deadlines and things that must be done, then mother’s hospitalization and move dropped in the middle of it all. I fretted over being so worried all the time. Worried about being worried. Is that like worried squared? Heavy laden, I guess the Scripture would say.
This morning when I woke up, I looked at the clock. Five minutes until the alarm goes off. I laid my head back on the pillow and whispered, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I hadn’t done that in a while. It felt good.
Other verses of praise came rolling out of my mind and I had a wonderful worship time before the alarm interrupted me.
Maybe this holy moment came because we were talking about the fourth commandment in Bible Study this week—Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. How He loves to have holy moments with us.
I found this passage from Philippians to spur me on.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let you gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5
When I meet a new person and they seem to fumble with my name, I say, “Joyce, as in rejoice, rejoice!” I love that verse. But where did that next sentence come from? I didn’t remember that. “Let you gentleness be evident.” Oh dear, I hope that’s true. Do I show gentleness? To all? Big order.
If you back up a few verses for the context, Paul is getting after two ladies in the fellowship who are not so much “in fellowship.” Paul is saying that our rejoicing needs to show in our gentle attitudes. “The Lord is near.” Hmm, does that mean God is looking over your shoulder? No, likely Paul meant the Lord is near to help you.
Then here it comes!
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Nothing new here, friends. He says it over and over in His word—pray. In those anxious times, pray. Along with your petition, give thanks. The results?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Is that beautiful or what? Peace. The kind that transcends all understanding. Flow-all-over-you kind of peace. Peace that protects and guards your heart, your emotions. Peace that guards and protects your mind and thinking. That’s flow-through-the-inside-of-you kind of peace. After all, He’s the Prince of Peace.
How do you get there? Prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. May that be our goal for staying refreshed in Him.
~ Joyce ~
Timely message for me Joyce, as I am suffering with more severe insomnia. I am caught up in the practical aspects of overcoming it, and what I need is more prayer and seeking/claiming His peace. Sleep deprivation has jumbled my mind! ( Coincidentally, Philippians is my focus lately since Dr Jeremiah suggested we read the entire book each day. )
I’m so sorry you’re still battling with the insomnia. That has to be so frustrating. Surely some doctor could be helpful to you. I’m praying that the Lord would lead you to just the right person and meanwhile give you a sense of peace about it. I’m glad the message was helpful.
Just what I needed today! Thank you, Joyce!
So glad it spoke you, Linda. We need powered up for VBS, right?