While we were out of town for our two-week beach vacation with our family, I almost finished my new 90-day devotional titled Calm Moments for Anxious Days authored by Max Lucado. I really have enjoyed each of the daily devotionals and feel that they have added a much needed perspective for me to address the challenges we are all facing the past few years in this world we are living in right now.
Fear and worry will always find a way to enter our hearts and minds. However, we always have to remember and focus on God’s continual presence in our lives and love for us, even in our darkest moments. This book has suggested numerous ways for us to stay focused on God even when fear and worry is present in our lives. We can think about all the blessings that God has provided us in our lives. Thinking about the love you have for your children and grandchildren (and even great grandchildren for some lucky folks) can turn your worry into happiness very quickly. Thinking about your church family and the circle of good friends that you have that you can reach out to in any time of need can bring you true happiness. Thinking about the life that God has provided you for many years should bring you true happiness, think about these words from country singer Alan Jackson in his hit song The Older I Get –
And if they found a fountain of youth, I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth. Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet.
We are all aging and we may not be able to do all the things we did a few years ago, but how many of us would trade our lives and resulting memories to go back 20 years or longer?
We also have various ways of keeping God active and alive within us as we go forward each day. Our options are to pray often during the day and to read scripture. I would like to suggest a simple prayer for you that most of us have known for years and that comes directly from scripture. It is the 23rd Psalm (KJV), and I would suggest that you read it slowly and carefully here to fully understand the profound message this scripture provides us.
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This seems to be the perfect prayer to say in today’s world that captures all our feelings and gives all the praise to God for looking after each one of us and protecting us from the evil present in our world.
Max also stated the following in one of his daily messages: Pray more. No one can pray and worry at the same time. When we worry, we aren’t praying. When we pray, we aren’t worrying. “You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). When you pray, you “stay” your mind on Christ, resulting in peace. Bow your knees and banish anxiety.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t give up, and don’t give in to the fear and worry. Stay strong and stay in touch with Jesus, your best friend and closest confidant. Feel His peace and hope and presence in your life all day and every day.
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.