Day Eight

Read Philippians 4:4-9, Study 6-7

You know those days that nobody can do anything right. Your husband lets you down, your kids are being disobedient, and you are a wreck. Then your friend doesn’t call you when she said she would, and when you call a friend, you only get their answering machine. You want a nap, but there is too much to be done but when you wash the dishes you drop a glass and it breaks all over the place. The toilet clogs. The laundry stinks. And why is the baby crying again?

I know those days very well and have them far too often. In fact, I had one just the other day. I was an inward wreck, and it came out in little nasty ways. And I was so mad at everyone and mad at myself for being mad at everyone. I cannot say this verse came to mind, but I did start to pray. I complained to God about everything, but most of all about myself.

But the Holy Spirit reminded me that I am a new creation in Christ. I don’t have to let my “bad mood” color everyone around me. I can choose to look at things in a new way. It was a struggle, but by the grace of God, I was able to give thanks and stop those nasty uncharitable thoughts buzzing around in my head. And the peace of God did fill my heart and mind.

Then I read this verse.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

 It was amazing how accurately it described my experience. I cannot take any credit for the change of heart, but I know that God did work. I asked him to change my heart and to stop thinking nasty thoughts. Then I deliberately thought about things I could give thanks for, and he did fill me with peace. What he said was true. The “trick” wasn’t to stop worrying, it was to start giving thanks in prayer to God. Not just general thanks, but specific prayers of thankfulness and petitions relating to them.

What happened? My mind got off me. Rather than thinking about how people offended me, I could see how much they were trying to show that they loved and needed me. Instead of seeing mischief as disobedience meant to make my life difficult, I could see it as trying to figure out how things worked. I had a lot of repenting and confessing to do, but being surrounded by the love of God and the love of my family was beautiful.

What are ways God has given you peace as you have given thanks in difficult situations?