Deep Waters Devotional
by Shelia Renee
"He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!" Isaiah 26:3
April 10th, 2021
Good Morning Friends,
Hoping your days have been productive and peaceful this week.
Though the week just flew by for me, I found myself in a position that I know many of you find yourself as well...the dreaded anxiety.
I seem to make it through the days just fine because of responsibilities and distractions but when I lay my head down at night it's a whole other world. Through the years I have learned to deaden the noise by watching television till I fall asleep...but lately not even the repetitive story line of a favorite movie can help me drift off to slumber.
It seems that is the time when all my worries and fears are heightened. So I toss and turn and try to focus on the old friend I've watched a hundred times. However the knot in my stomach and the circus in my mind continues to over power my thoughts.
Lately I have allowed what I know and what I feel to war against each other. A situation that I know each of you also battle with. It is one of Satan's greatest tools. However during these times that seem to over take us, we have to remember who the Victor is and what He has told us about this situation. This life we live has an instruction manual and if we would daily turn to those directions when things are not working correctly... we would find things work so much better.
The Instruction Manual to our life (the Bible) says this:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:4-9
The God of Peace...there He is...
I do understand how hard it is at times to give your worries and fears over to God but...
"God is not a man, that he should lie;"
Numbers 23:19
...so we must TRUST that he has us in the palm of His hands...no matter the situation.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
We must focus on the fact the God cares about every tiny worry we have and how it burdens our hearts. I have said this in all my posts because it is the one thing I want to make sure you absorb...
you are loved and not alone.
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you".
1 Peter 5:7
Though our Lord walks beside us...lives within us...and is there to help us in every situation we face during the day. He has stressed many times in our "Instruction Manual" how important it is to have a restful night sleep...and that the key to that is trusting in Him and laying our worries and fears at His feet.
So when you lay your head down and all the worries of the world start to take over, STOP...and invite your Father into the conversation going through your mind. That is your time to have a talk with God. Share with him all the fears and worries you have (even though He already knows)…if it's too much for you to verbally say...close your eyes and envision yourself running to the Father and letting Him wrap His arms around you.
He knows your heart and He will comfort you even when you can't find the words.
Rest there and know that He has your back. He will give you peace. He will give you wisdom. He will give you direction. Trust in Him.
…and before you know it, you will find yourself sleeping like a baby.
Oh what a sweet place to be.
Never forget that you are loved and you are not alone.
from my heart to yours,
Shelia Renee
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