Life.
It’s a precious gift from God, and can be glorious at times. But let’s be honest; other times it can be grueling, and seriously painful. “The struggle is real” hashtag is a thing because, well…the struggle is real.
And since we are being honest, these past couple weeks have been quite difficult for me. I've felt strapped to a violently swinging pendulum of emotion. Hours in the hospital visiting a close friend fighting for her life: Worry, Faith, Prayer. A joyous evening shopping with my almost-13 year old daughter: Laughter, Hugs, Mentoring. Devastation in my church family: Oceans of tears and prayers. Being used by God to teach and encourage: Strength, Power, Fulfillment. Exuberance as that deathbed friend was miraculously healed! And this is just the highlight reel.
In all this movement, even in the good, it's been a real press to find God and His peace. I’ve noticed old habits of fear and forgotten shadows of dread creeping their ways into my heart.
Please remember, as I lead Fearless 365, it’s not because I’ve come to a place in life where I’ve “got it all together.” I simply have a heart to serve others, to help inspire them toward the fullness of the life God has for them. Sure, throughout my 4 1/2 decades on this planet I’ve learned some powerful keys to overcoming the fears and insecurities that have threatened to kill my dreams, but it’s not like I’ve come to some magic utopian realm where stress and pain and worry don’t exist.
I know I’m not alone. I am very aware that many people reading this right know are hurting, are scared, are worried about the future, and are feeling the burn of life…and Bernie Sanders ain’t no where in sight.
When I experience stretches of emotional turmoil or stress, my first instinct is to work harder, pray harder, and fight more fiercely. I’m like Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility: “Give me an occupation, Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad.” The only problem is, while more activity is a super great distraction (a.k.a. short-term gratification), it rarely supplies the long-term result of God’s perfect peace that passes understanding. Only His presence can do that.
So let’s do that.
The Fearless 365 Week Six Challenge: Pause. Let’s press pause on our life and spend time with our Father, for no other reason but to refresh ourselves in Him. In His presence is where the sails of our soul are filled, where our silent tears can be our prayers, where the deepest pains are healed, where our dreams are polished, and where our fears and anxieties are melted away.
This week, join me in purposefully carving out extra time to soak in God’s presence.
Below are links to songs that I love. Almost all have the lyrics on them. These words are beautiful and ones I believe will bring refreshing to your soul.
Prince of Peace, Hillsong United https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0DKzPdv44
Tremble, Mosaic MSC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjdSqTA8hyY
It is Well, Bethel Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wb_WD1emFQ
Good, Good Father, Chris Tomlinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_m5ZWchiZo
