When I sought after something better, something fulfilling, something kinder, something easier, something serene, something safe, something faithful, something honest, someone lovable, and someone to love me unconditionally, the fullness of Jesus Christ was revealed to me.
Updated: Oct 19, 2024
Imagine a lifetime of waiting. Waiting for things to happen, waiting for things to change, or waiting for something to get better.
When day in, and day out, a situation has you bound to sadness, anger, or frustration, you are unable to participate fully in your life. Your focus is on the thing, and your family, friends, and job suffer from your inability to make sense of what is happening. Waiting can distract you from living. Waiting can cause you to miss blessings and favor.
When your focus is consumed by the thing that interrupts your sleep, greets you every morning, then consumes the rest of your day, you’re unable to live in the moment.
So much life is lost while waiting, if you’re unable to live in the moment.
The moment you awake, every morning, you enter a new day. You have the blessed opportunity to experience the same joy that every one of us is extended. It’s your choice, at that moment to enjoy the freshness of a new day, or to allow yesterday to dictate your present.
Growing through life, doesn’t mean the thing, or things ceased to exist, it means that you are choosing to live in the moment. It means you are trusting the Lord. It means that you realize there is more to your life than the thing. It means that you are consciously gaining faith, strength, wisdom, confidence, and courage while watching and waiting.
So, instead of allowing life to slip away while waiting for the next wave, the water to boil, or the microwave to heat, get busy living in the moment.
Don’t just go through life, GROW through life!
Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord”
I have experienced my share of challenges, anxieties, and pain. The worst was my bout with depression. However, once I experienced the peace of God, that peace that surpasses all understanding… I learned to value peace.
I can’t explain to you the unexplainable. I cannot help you understand what surpasses ALL understanding. But I will try to help you understand why I place so much value in it.
The high places are more appreciated once you’ve risen from a fall. When you’re struggling with merely being able to get through the day without feeling overwhelmed. When your world seems too dark for you to see a way out. When you feel as if there’s no hope or help-
Then, one day, you have the ability to see from a high place, to breathe again, and to live with a healthy perspective- this is freedom.
Miraculously you’re healed! Peace is restored, the peace of God!
Peace doesn’t always mean the difficulty will end, nor does it mean easy. Peace, in the midst of the storm is meant for you to endure the struggle. You learn to value your peace when the thought of losing it-becomes a reality. I guard my peace with my whole heart. I refuse to allow stress, anxiety or fear to take up residence again!
I’ve learned to manage anxiety, how to reduce negative stress, and how to avoid people who don’t respect my boundaries. Because, I am no earthly good when I am not functioning in a productive and positive way. I can only function fully when I am mentally and emotionally stable.
So, I have learned to control my own emotions and my own thoughts. I have learned that sometimes it’s none of my business. I have understood that there are many things that are not mine to control. I have learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart, to lean less on my understanding, and to value His peace.