I have worries but know there is hope through Jesus Christ. I am facing great financial debt and have worries that could consume me as well as have concern for my health and those I care about. It would be easy to allow all of the thoughts and concerns to keep me so distracted I could not function not even eating and sleeping. Depression could also overtake me. This morning as I prayed to my loving heavenly Father, He reminded that I need to focus on him and not these problems. There will always be problems. Focusing on them and worrying will not help me or solve these problems but will keep me from living today to all its fullness.
I have learned that one of the best solutions for this oppression is praise and thankfulness. I can thank God for shelter, food, clothes, health, family, friends and so much more. I am thankful for the breath he has given to live another day. I thank him for his love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
It’s not hard to feel overwhelmed and stressed but He has reminded me to set all of these worries down at the foot of the cross and allow him to have my burdens. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 As I prayed about all of these concerns, I remembered a dream I had a couple of years ago. In the dream there as a large beautiful home built into and on the top of a mountain or plateau. You could see all around in every direction from every window. You could see the other mountains and plains in the distance. I walked down on a back deck and then onto stairs that were carved into the reddish stone that lead down to a lake that was an old stone quarry or crater. The lake looked bottomless through the crystal, clear water that had a blue tint near the top. I saw others swimming in the distance. I decided to dive in too. I expected the water to be so cold it would take me breath but it was cool, refreshing, and exhilarating. It was so clean and clear and was even sweet to the taste. I woke refreshed and excited. I realized I had been bathing in the present of the Lord and his endless depths. I know will spend eternity diving into his depths and will never explore all of Him and his love.
Micah 7:18-20: 18 Who is God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
Lord, thank you for your everlasting love. Thank you for all the days of our lives. Thank you for your forgiveness, faithfulness and provision. Help us to stay in the present moment and give you all our worries and allow you to take care of us and our problems. We lay them down at your feet. Fill us with your joy, love and peace. Amen