None Can Compare

 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself without comparing himself to somebody else 

Galatians 6:4

"If only I had more money...if only I had her body...her family...her car...their house...his education...that job...that life..." and on and on the comparer goes, straight into discontentment. And sometimes it goes this way, "Why can't you do what this person does or that person does, or be this way or that way..." leading the subject of the comparer feeling inadequate. Or every time you tell them something, they have to jump in with their story and compare the details of their story with yours, therefore dismissing the love and support you may be needing at that particular moment. We've all done it at some point or another, or may be doing it at this moment, and it doesn't feel good–if we're paying attention, that is. Comparing everything constantly is a dangerous, joy-sucking habit.  Having a strong sense of our worth and identity in Christ will keep us from falling into the enemy's comparison trap. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. If we know who we are in Christ, we won't be searching for ourselves in everyone we see. 

When we compare ourselves to others, we may believe that others have better health, more joy-filled lives, a better family, more fun, a more successful career, or whatever it is you think you don't have or should have. It's our pride that gets us thinking WE deserve what someone else has. The enemy wants us believing this! 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. You may start resenting others for the blessings they are receiving, because your life isn't going so well right now. Why is their spouse always so thoughtful, while yours is forgetful? How does she stay so thin while you struggle with weight issues? Look at their kids being so wonderful while yours are terrible. All of these comparison-thieves can only lead down one road, and that is a joy-killing, bumpy ride. People who constantly compare themselves to others can become lonely, depressed, and develop low self-esteem, and that is just the short list. James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. The enemy likes to use envy as a trap, because it gets us thinking that God favors someone more than us. This is not how God works at all. Luke 9:48b For he who is least among you all–he is the greatest. We are created in the image of God. That is no small thing. 

Comparing everything sends a message to ourselves that we don't think what or even who God already gave us is good enough. Constantly evaluating instead of appreciating takes our focus off of God, puts it on ourselves, and renders us unable to be truly happy for others when they succeed. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. When we are always judging instead of praising, we are in a  dangerous position of getting down and dirty in our own flesh. This is where pride, self-righteousness, envy, bitterness, ungratefulness, misery, insecurity, and low self worth reside. This is also where the enemy seeks to validate all of that mess in order to keep you right there, hating on yourself, and seeking to destroy you and your relationships. Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any more children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I'll die!" Comparison can not only create a disconnection of relationships, but also causes desperation. It can keep us from freely loving people, because we can become so dissatisfied and discouraged with our own lives that we cannot even appreciate the joy in others' lives. We miss out on our own life and theirs. Even if blessings were there, we wouldn't even see them! If we spent as much time counting blessings as we did comparing, we would be reaping the joy from those blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. A shift in perspective is often what is needed in order to see what God may be doing in our lives. 

It's important to know that comparison isn't always a bad thing, as we can look at our blessings and be grateful for them, while seeing others who are in need. Those types of comparisons show gratitude and humility and the ability to be compassionate toward the plights of others, and move us to help. Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. The poor widow in the Bible who gave her two small copper coins worth less than a penny, continues to touch my heart and remind me that giving truly comes from a grateful heart. (Mark 12:42-44) She certainly wasn't comparing her life to the rich who threw in only what they didn't need. Jesus made this comparison to show that riches are not important to God, but giving is. 

Other types of comparisons come from a place of needing to keep score, or be validated in some way. When someone compares you to someone else, it can evoke certain reactions and responses, and not always favorable ones. Whether done in an inferior or superior way, it is still a sign that a person is evaluating you and may at some point look past you for something or someone better. It says, 'you're okay now, but at some point, you may not be', so the relationship could become very unstable. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. And that's just one of the problems when we compare. It puts us in a judgment seat that we have no business sitting in. When we compare, we aren't relaxing or celebrating. We aren't seeing people as uniquely created individuals. We're expecting them to fit some kind of standard we have set for them, based on some kind of insecurity we have in ourselves. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

 Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See, comparison is messy both ways. When we are doing it, we can put others into a place of defense and dissatisfaction with them. When we are hearing it, it can be disappointing and hurtful. It can give the impression that we need to fulfill some kind of image for them. However, (this may come as a shock to some) we do not need the approval of people. Some of us need to hear this a little louder than others. We only seek the approval of the Lord. Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. We serve the Lord, not the fickle wishes and desires of people. As a recovering people-pleaser, I have to continually seek God's help with this. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Sometimes we forget that we are to love people–not fix them, change them, compare them, rate them, judge them, gossip about them, or make them a list of expectations they should not have to fill because they've just been compared to someone else. And likewise, we don't need to jump through hoops to gain the approval or love of others. Real love is kind. 

I believe with any bad habit, the first step to overcoming it is acknowledging that you have a problem with it. Ask God to show you how you have hurt yourself or others with it, and ask Him to help you focus on Him as He changes you. He tells us we are more than conquerors! Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. As a person in the flesh, we often think we have to force things. Try to lose weight, try to exercise, try to stop this habit or that habit. This is no different, except that it's a spirit sickness. When we fix our eyes on God and nothing else–not other people, not our own strength, not a miracle program, not a fad on Tik Tok –only then will we be able to go forward with a real heart, mind, and spirit change. All other changes are only temporary because they depend on our will to continue with them, and we are weak. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. He understands, so let Him help! 

I once read that if we are going to compare ourselves to anyone, it should be Jesus. And perhaps that's the only comparison we should be making that won't hurt anyone. He loves us, He gives us grace, and He doesn't compare us to anyone else. He spent time on earth as a man so He could know us. Isaiah 53:2-3 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hid their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Jesus, who appeared as an ordinary man, led an extraordinary life. He understands us better than anyone, loves us more than anyone, and yet, "we esteemed him not and rejected him." This proves that we've been wrong about people since the beginning of time. And this is why we will always need a Savior. 

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5

Today's Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for making me who I am. I know that I am made in Your image, exactly as You designed me to be, and You do not want me to compare myself to anyone else, or compare others. Please help me to keep my eyes on You and help me to reach the special purpose for which I am called. Help me to cheer on others, and to be a support to those who may come to me as they fulfill their unique purposes. Help me to have the faith and trust in You to make the changes in my life to become more like You. Thank You for your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' precious name. Amen. 

Was Life Meant to Be Like This?

 Was life meant to be this complicated? John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. What is going on in our lives that is sucking the joy right out of it? If we were meant to have life and have it to the full, why aren't we living this way? Why are many of us frustrated, stressed, upset, depressed, angry, bored, discouraged, disappointed, etc...? It's that etc..., right? 

I am a firm believer that most of the time, I create my own problems. I don't set proper boundaries, I react poorly to outside stressors, I don't maintain healthy life habits, or some other negative approach that I choose. In other words, I can't always blame Satan because I'm frustrated, upset, discouraged, overweight, or any number of woe-is-me choices I've made. Personal reflection and accountability is key to our own happiness so much of the time when we are struggling, but I will stick to speaking on my own recovery for now. You can identify yourself if you can relate here, and I encourage you to do so, because it will bring about the change that will eventually lead to the joy you've been missing. There is no shame here. I want to make that clear, because I think we need to be able to see our own behavior clearly without attaching shame, blame, and labels to it. Identify it for what it is and set about a plan to change it. I don't see any benefit to dwelling on the things we do wrong, but find a solution and get on with it. Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

I can't complain about not fitting into my spring wardrobe from last year when I continue to snack on chips. I admit, I lack healthy coping skills sometimes. I don't have substance abuse problems, unless you count needing to crawl onto my bed, pull the blanket up to my chin, and bite off a chocolate bunny ear while watching reruns of Mary Tyler Moore until I feel better. I have also turned to "retail therapy," where the comfort has come in the way of ordering something new or shopping at the Dollar Store for things I don't need just to feel better about things I'm actually avoiding feeling things about. The root of all of those behaviors is fear and avoidance. When we fear things instead of face them, they will still be there when we tire of the thing we bought, or crawl out of our chocolate bunny coma, 5 pounds heavier, and then the cycle of self-loathing can begin again. Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokesman... It is very hard to be a witness for the Lord while also overindulging in chocolate bunny ears, complaining, or any other useless coping device. 

If you recognized yourself in my examples, it's time we both get a positive solution! Satan is a joy-sucker and he loves it when we play the game. He will certainly jump in and step all over us when we are weak, making our despair even worse. But we have to make a decision to choose better, and that means making a conscious choice to choose God's way.  Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We have to level up here, and in doing so, we toss the devil and his schemes out, and let God in. Too often when we are embroiled in our own pity parties, (ok, maybe just my pity party) it can be very easy to become forgetful of others, even God. We can  say, "Oh, no, I'd never forget God!" but when we are saying one thing and doing the opposite, it becomes like that. Because when our joy is being destroyed, no one could see God in us if they had a supernatural microscope. Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." We can't serve God when we are serving ourselves and our problems. In fact, our focus on our problems edges God out entirely. Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

God is in the business of solutions, and when we trust Him with our complications, He will give us the means and the tools to make our way out and back into the light again. Something I struggle with is frustration, and I've noticed that after I invite God into my trouble with frustration, I begin feeling much freer to let certain things go without feeling that same anxiety as before. I am reminded Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God...  I am learning to simplify things that I once made very complicated because of my self-induced perfection complex. A controlling need for everything to be a certain way was not bringing me the peace that is more important to me and the people around me.  Is our peace worth losing over things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things? We have to be willing to ask ourselves these questions before we lose our minds over things that God didn't even ask us to do. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."

A life that is complicated is a life crying out to be simplified. Whatever that means is defined by us, but it starts with the understanding that many things we believe are important are probably not as significant as we esteem them to be. We can start by asking God what those things are that are getting in the way of our time with Him. What is affecting our relationships that is better off given to the Lord instead of coming out of our mouths? What are the things that are cluttering up our minds and taking up our precious spaces? Those are indicators that changes need to be made. We can make our own decisions about our approach to life. If we're too busy, too stressed, too tired, too frustrated, always upset with someone, then we know something is off balance, and no one can change it but us. We can invite God in to the process and ask Him for the solutions. The thief comes to take life away, but God wants us to have the life He gave us, not to just live an ordinary existence, but to "have it to the full." Once we are given direction, we need to take those solutions to heart and make changes if we really don't want to live a complicated existence anymore. Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 

I continue to be inspired by my dear friend and mentor who at the age of 71 is still going strong in the gym at 4:30am. After surviving a life-threatening stroke, he made the commitment with God to change his life and stop his unhealthy habits in order to live (That's the short version of the story). But Norm doesn't want us to just be inspired by his impressive health habits. He encourages others to actually DO something different, and while that seems simple, it really is the step most people won't take. Yes, we know we need to eat better and exercise, but will we really? Or do we think only "other people" can do it? One thing I know about Norm's story is that none of what he went through was easy. Not one moment! I thought, "who in their right minds would run through deep snow in heavy boots?" It's someone with a mind made up for change, that's who! And that is Norm. When you make a promise to God to live healthy, you don't take days off. Norm could have, but he keeps choosing life day after day. Deuteronomy 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is speaking the Word over our bondage until it becomes who we are instead of what is holding us back from living. It's 'seeking first the kingdom'. It's doing right and then God giving you rest for your soul. We are all capable of living out the Word of God and seeing it work in us.  When we approach the Lord and we ask for His help in earnest prayer, we will be amazed at the strength in which we will be able to change. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 

Today's Prayer: Father, we come to you with hearts full of gratitude. We are so thankful for your love and mercy toward us and we know you are there to help us become the people you designed us to be. We acknowledge that we've gotten out of balance with bad habits or negative thinking, and we need Your help. We ask Your forgiveness for ways that we have made wrong choices or said things that hurt others, or made decisions that burdened ourselves or others. We pray that You would deliver us from the burdens of these choices, and give us a fresh, clean start as only You can. Thank you for Your love and faithfulness and for Your Word to help us learn and grow. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

For more information: see www.sirnorm.com 

Boundaries (book) by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend 

Inscribed in Us

 If you continue to carry bricks from your past, 

you will end up building the same house...

I love used books, especially finding those with personal inscriptions inside. I'm on the sentimental side, so I often wonder how one could part with a book titled, To My Daughter With Love, with a simple inscription penned inside, "Love, Mom." But then I remember, people don't live forever, and there are many circumstances that could separate people from their special possessions. My personal book collection contains books with special inscriptions, reminding me of who gifted me with the book. I don't know where they will end up after I'm long gone, but I hope one day the inscriptions that read, "Thank you Lord, for my friend, Jami" will make someone think about and appreciate their own friends. Isaiah 49:16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Even better than the inscriptions placed inside books, we are under the constant faithful care and concern of the Lord. 

Today's topic isn't even about books, but I couldn't resist the irony in this next inscription as I was doing some studying. I opened up my used copy of "Making Peace with Your Past" by H. Norman Wright, and inside the cover I found this inscription: "Martin James, I hope this book helps you find an inner piece, that I was never able too. (sic) My love, Amy." 

Did she mean to write the word "peace" or was she searching for a deeper meaning of an actual missing piece? Was she never able to find that piece with Martin, or could she never find it in herself? Was the answer in the book? It seems we all have some kind of missing peace these days. Some fill it with baggage, and some fill it up with God. Either way, Martin no longer needed this book to find it, wherever he is. 

Maybe I'm reading too much into a simple inscription, but since the book's whole point is about making peace with your past, I can only assume the giver or the recipient was like many of us–tripped up over some type of past emotional wound. Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The author, H. Norman Wright, gives a compassionate Christian perspective of how we can become hampered or even paralyzed by the baggage of our past. The events of our past can have a significant negative impact on our behavior and relationships with others, but healing those hurts and softening those scars will lead to a more fulfilling life in the present time. God assures us that He will make a 'way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert', both seemingly impossible things. Well, without God, they can appear that way.  I recognize how some things seem extremely difficult to overcome, including healing a difficult past. But with God, it is possible. And what is the alternative to healing? Staying emotionally sick and building the same old house with the same old bricks. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

 "Jesus Christ is the source of our healing, because he is also the source of the hope we have as God's child." That is the most important point the author makes in the book. John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." We have to believe that healing is within our grasp when we trust God with what we are carrying. While too much digging into the past is unhealthy, a little unearthing can be beneficial if it gets to the root of the problem in order to heal it for good. Sometimes shedding light on what we have kept hidden in the dark is the way to seeing it for what it truly is and not the monster it has become. As a wise quote says, "Let your past be your springboard, not your quicksand."

Living in the past, dredging it up, living in old scenarios as if they are current, carrying old baggage–all of those negative behaviors can only go down one road–an unfulfilling, depressing existence. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. When we become new in Christ, we make a choice to let go of our old ways. It means we are no longer slaves to the rejection, deprivation, degradation, bad memories, unforgiveness, bitterness, guilt, and any sinister thing that was imprisoning us. We now align our habits, thinking, actions, and direction with the Word of God. Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. There is a holy reason why the Lord wants us to let go of the past and move forward. We are to be ready to embrace this new life, not relive an old one. 

 We must continue to get to know the character of God so that we conform more and more into His character, as we were created to be. We will then be able to shrug off the things that are holding us back. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

The enemy loves to keep us tied to a past filled with misery, and we must be on alert to this. He knows our human egos can be fragile. He knows we can get in our fickle feelings and dwell on our sad situations, and then BOOM, he swoops in and delivers a whole forkful of steaming lies, and in a moment of vulnerability, we can fall for his weak strategy. This is why we set our focus on God always. If we don't know what God is saying, we might believe whatever we hear, so we can just as easily fall victim to the lies of the enemy. We need to remain rooted in Christ and what we know to be true.

 John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. The enemy is a liar who wants us to fail, and knows that keeping us locked in a painful past with stagnant memories is one way to keep us from moving forward to the finish line. He likes to keep us self-focused and isolated–the opposite of what we are here for. Contrary to what many in the world would like us to think, we are not here to complain non-stop about the state of the world, our aches and pains, the economy, and all the wrongs everyone has ever done to us. This is a side effect of living in a fallen world, but also a bad habit of living in the past. When we are constantly dissatisfied and not trusting in the Lord, we are doomed to rely on the world for our provisions. When we aren't happy, we start comparing our yesterdays. Ecclesiastes 7:10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. God is in control. He was in control of our past, He is in control of our present, and He is in control of our futures. We can rest in Him, not in the so-called "security" of our "old days." (the music was better–that's all I'm saying)

 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. When we dwell in the past, we dwell also in the pain that it caused as if that pain happened today, because it was never resolved or forgiven. One of the reasons God gave his Son Jesus was for our healing, and that includes our emotional healing. Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. God commanded us to forgive, which also benefits our healing. Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. When we carry around unforgiveness or bitterness, we carry around a piece of the past that just keeps wounding–ourselves and others.  

H. Norman Wright writes, "The more we incorporate the biblical perspective or ourselves into our consciousness, the easier it will become to overcome hurtful memories and crippling messages. For it is God who does it in us."  1Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. God redeemed us with the blood of His own Son because of His great love for us even while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Though it is still unfathomable to grasp this amount of love, I can't imagine wasting another breath, another step, another thought, or another moment dredging up the old sludge when God gives me a fresh new vibrant life to embrace every day. Let's drop the old baggage and pick up the clean healing that God has freely given us. H. Norman Wright says it best in a few words, "For it is God who does it in us." 

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

A healing prayer for letting go of the past: 

Lord, I surrender myself and my heart–every situation I'm walking through–into Your hands. I give you permission to come into my life and my heart and do a healing work in me. I give you permission to point out those things that I need to let go of in order to move forward. Father God, I want to heal. I want to walk in peace. I want joy. And I want to experience more of Your presence in my life. Help me to walk out of the old so that you can do a new thing in me. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 

-Carolyn Rice (of Carolynsbooks.com)

Don't Worry, Be Healed

 Search me, O God, and know my heart; 

test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

See if there is any offensive way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Psalm 139: 23-24 

I love a day when I don't worry about a thing. I also like it when things go my way. I don't know about you, but I want to be the clipboard-carrying president of the "Don't Worry, Be Happy Club." The problem is, at the head of this so-called happy and worry-free club is actually a recovering worrywart control freak. Some days I'm doing more worrying, and not coincidentally, those are the not-so-happy days. It's not a surprise, because at the heart of a worrier is a deep need to be (ahem, feel) in control. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. When we are feeling out of control, we tend to worry. It's a vicious cycle, and somewhere in the chaos, stopping to pray is lost. When we are always trying to gain control of something or someone, or always waiting for the next shoe to drop, we are spinning on the anxious cycle. My friend and mentor has repeated the same solution to me so many times that I know this is an area of struggle for me that I have yet to conquer. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Oh, I know what I'm doing wrong. OH, I know the answer too. I'm just not applying it. Ding ding ding!! 

It's not like I'm the "asking for the manager" type, or having a need to control others. There are just some situations in life I cannot control that throw me off balance, and I think I have determined that I am that type of control freak. We who are trying to control, are always seeking, pursuing, or protecting peace, but are somehow managing to lose it in the process. Okay, so I may have caught myself giving God suggestions while praying. Yes, this is how God brought this issue to my attention. God doesn't need my help, I know this. But fear was driving me to worry about the outcome. This is how we start to spin out. This is because we are trying to manage everything in our own strength, and it is a losing battle. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. When we remember to invite God into our fears, anxious thoughts, and every situation, we will no longer have the need to control everything. God is the president of the Don't Worry, Be Healed Club, and we are the members if we show up. Do I want to get healed or not? THIS is the question. 

 I wanted to know I wasn't alone in this club, so I went in search of fellow members in the Bible, and there were controlling worrywarts in there too! People who got ahead of God because they could not wait for His blessing, they were fearful of His outcome, or thought they could make it happen faster themselves. In other words, other prideful, insecure, and fearful people who thought their ideas were better than God's. God told us not to worry, and more importantly, we aren't meant for it. Matthew 6:34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Every day has enough trouble of its own. So, I'm glad I'm not alone, but that was an embarrassing find. 

In a world where we are told we can get everything faster–internet, food service, delivery, weight loss, hair growth, homes, cars, traffic signals, checkouts, and anything under the sun, suddenly we start to fret when we have to wait for something that is actually taking a reasonable amount of time. Maybe some people are all turning into impatient control freaks, because their expectations just keep getting harder and harder to meet. Proverbs 16:1-2 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. All a man's ways seem right to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. I'm on the opposite side here. While I may enjoy some of these fast services, I'm often wanting the world to slow down (except for my wi-fi) and go a nice slow and easy pace so I can take my time and enjoy it. I seem to just want some kind of time control and I can't get ahold of it. Isaiah 43:18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

 My heart tells me not to worry and fret and be tempted to take things into my own hands.  1Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. But contrary to my heart, my brain will often stray into this arena. We are humans with real emotions and struggles, faith-filled people or not. But when we invite God into our areas of struggle, He is there. This is where we will receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus. Just like anything that requires correction in our behavior, it's not always an overnight success. We all have mountains to climb, and valleys to wander. It's part of life, and there are lessons to learn in both places. Remembering to give my day to the Lord is key. Psalm 143:8-9 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. 

I will not say that letting go of my worries is easy, but when I allow God to have my worries, I feel at ease. I have a choice to make there, don't I? Many struggle with the concept of trusting an unseen God on a good day, let alone during times of distress. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. In essence, He's wanting me to do a trust fall exercise when I'm paralyzed with the unknown. True faith in God is just that–a spontaneous trust fall at any moment. Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will be as close to me as I invite Him in.

 A relationship with God is a personal choice for that reason. That is a part that I can depend on fully, but only when I surrender everything. Isn't this how all relationships thrive? This is the most important one. He wants me to be close to Him, experiencing His peace, fulfilling my purpose, living abundantly in love, joy, kindness, and all the good stuff. He wants me to enjoy the blessings He is giving me every day, and not be distracted by my own stumbling blocks. Yes, it is scary to live in a world where everything is going faster than I can think. Years are flying by like days, and time can sure feel like it is slipping away. This is part of the spin cycle. But can my world spin while I stand still? God assures me that I can. Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Those are my choices to make. Continuing to pursue God and His Word is the solution to turning my need for control into His peace, even if there is no peace in my situations or in the world just yet. 

How does fear propel us into trying to control everything? How do we find ourselves in a state of panic even over trivial things? John 10:10 The thief comes to only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. There will be times that our weak spots will be used against us by the enemy, and to attempt to separate us from God. To make us think we are powerful on our own and without Him. When we crowd out God's authority, failing to humble ourselves, we will become arrogant, stop growing, and lose favor with God. Isaiah 66:2 These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. When we allow ourselves to get too caught up not only in the controls of our own wheels, but trusting others to take a position of control that is saved only for the sovereignty of God, we are headed for trouble. The world is full of dictators and people fighting for power to control. How easy they and sometimes we can forget that it is God who is in control of it all. Psalm 99:1 The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. When we find ourselves dealing with a problem of control, it rarely stays within our range. Our fear, insecurity, and pride can affect everyone around us. Our impulsive decisions, flippant words, rash choices, all of it. Fear of not being in control can make a person seem, well... out of control. I'd rather be shaken by the Lord than by a person out of control. 

A person who trusts and stands with the Lord even while the world is raging will become someone we will be able to trust, and we need each other's steadfast faith. Our witness will be affected by how we handle chaos. Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.  Some of the things going on in this world are beyond my comprehension and control, but we can be assured that God is aware of it all! He is not surprised by us or what is happening around us. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

 "Look at the nations and watch–and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. 

Habakkuk 1:5