God’s Word Gives Me More Rest and Less Stress

In Philippians 4:8 I read, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (NLT)

It’s increasingly difficult to stay focused on true things. The Bible says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT).

To do so requires a mental shift. It means I’m going to have to build new, and better habits.

My mind is bombarded with lies every single day. Advertisements and social media tell me that if I don’t think, dress, or act a certain way, I don’t matter. When I’m growing up, I’m told that if I’m not good at academics or athletics, I don’t matter. This world is full of lies, and I’ve believed many of them. But they’re just not true.

The only way to counter those lies is to fill my mind with the truth. The truth is that I am a child of God. I matter to him. Jesus said that when I know the truth, it will set me free.

To be set free means to have a breakthrough. The only way I can experience a breakthrough is to be in God’s Word, the Bible, every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

If you think you can’t do that, just consider how many hours I spend on social media or TV or watching the news. How am I going to have a healthy mind if I’m filling it with lies instead of the truth?

Not everything I hear is true. Not everything I tell myself is true. I’ve got to get into the Bible every day, because God will always speak the truth. I can trust what he says about me and the promises he’s made for me in his Word because he always keeps his promises.

What happens when I keep my mind on the right things?

“If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 TLB).

To have my heart and mind at rest, with less stress, get started by getting into God’s Word.

In summary, I need to fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. It’s increasingly difficult to stay focused on true things. To do so requires a mental shift. I have to build new, and better habits. My mind is bombarded with lies every single day. This world is full of lies, and I’ve believed many of them. But they’re just not true. The only way to counter those lies is to fill my mind with the truth. The truth is that I am a child of God. I matter to him. Jesus said that when I know the truth, it will set me free. To be set free means to have a breakthrough. The only way I can experience a breakthrough is to be in God’s Word, every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. In order to make time, consider how many hours I spend on social media, TV or watching the news. How am I going to have a healthy mind if I’m filling it with lies instead of the truth? Not everything I hear is true. Not everything I tell myself is true. I’ve got to get into the Bible every day, because God will always speak the truth. I can trust what he says about me and the promises he’s made and because he always keeps his promises. To have my heart and mind at rest, with less stress, get into God’s Word.

What I put into my mind determines what comes out in my words and actions. Paul tells me to program my mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. If I find myself having problems with wrong thoughts, examine what I'm feeding my mind with via TV, the Internet, reading, conversations, movies, video games, etc.  Replace any harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God's Word and pray. Ask God to help me focus my mind on what is good and pure.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Can I Really Be Thankful in All Circumstances?

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, I read, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

No matter what I ask God for, I need to ask with an attitude of gratitude. I can ask God for whatever I need, but do it with a thankful heart for what he’s already done.

The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). A lot of people want to know what God’s will is for their lives. But God’s not going to show step two until step one is done. Step one is to be grateful. This is God’s will.

First be grateful for what God has already given,  life, mind, freedom, and food. Everything we have is a gift from God! Be grateful for all of it.

The Bible says to give thanks in all circumstances. Notice it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances. There is a big difference. There are a lot of things in life I should not be thankful for. For instance, I should never be thankful for evil.

It says to give thanks in every circumstance, not for every circumstance, because God can bring good even out of bad things. There is a lot of bad in the world, and these days, I may see more of it than I think I can bear. I shouldn’t be grateful for those things. God is bigger than sin. He can bring promises out of pain, blessings out of suffering. He turns crucifixions into resurrections.

God transforms the bad things in my life into good things and uses them for good. I can be grateful in everything for several reasons: God has a plan for my life. He can use everything in my life for good. The pain is not going to last forever. If I know Jesus as Savior, I’m going to heaven. And he’s going to use even the hard things in life to build my character.

When bad things happen, don’t ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead, ask, “God, what do you want me to learn from this?”

When I learn from God, then I’ll grow more like Christ. Then I’ll be able to better see how he is working in my life and give him thanks in all circumstances.

In summary, I am to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus. No matter what I ask God for, I need to ask with an attitude of gratitude. I can ask God for whatever I need, but need to do it with a thankful heart for what he’s already done. A lot of people, including myself, want to know what God’s will is in life. But God’s not going to show step two until step one is done. Step one is to be grateful for what God has already given.  Everything we have is a gift from God! Be grateful for all of it. His Word tells me to give thanks in all circumstances. Notice it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances. There is a big difference. There are a lot of things in life I should not be thankful for. For instance, I should never be thankful for evil. It says to give thanks in every circumstance, because God can bring good even out of bad things. God is bigger than sin. He can bring promises out of pain, blessings out of suffering. He turns crucifixions into resurrections. God transforms the bad things in my life into good things and uses them for good. I can be grateful in everything: God has a plan for my life. He can use everything in my life for good. The pain is not going to last forever. If I know Jesus as Savior, I’m going to heaven. And he’s going to use even the hard things in life to build my character. When bad things happen, don’t ask, why, instead ask, God, what do you want me to learn from this? When I learn from God, then I’ll grow more like Christ. Then I’ll be able to better see how he is working in my life and give him thanks in all circumstances.

My joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with my circumstances or feelings. Obeying three commands, to be joyful, never stop praying, and to be thankful, often go against my natural inclinations. However, when I make a conscious decision to do what God says, I will begin to see people in a new perspective. Doing God's will makes it easier to be joyful and thankful.  Paul wasn't teaching that I should thank God for everything that happens to me, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, so I should not thank him for it. But when evil strikes, I can still be thankful for God's presence and for the good that he will accomplish through distress. 

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Focusing My Attention

In Jeremiah 29:13 it says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (NLT)

Giving someone my attention is the greatest gift because my time is my life.

When I turn my face to someone and focus my eyes on them, it makes them feel like I genuinely care and are interested in what they have to say.

I can do this with God, I can turn my face to him in prayer. Just look up! Show him that I’m checking in and ready to talk. Even though it’s a good way to pray, there’s nothing in the Bible that says I have to close my eyes or bow my head. When I close my eyes and think, I go to sleep. Try praying aloud to God and looking up. It's a physical reminder that I’m refocusing my attention.

Daniel did this when he needed God’s help and wisdom: “So I gave my attention to the Lord God, to seek Him by prayer” (Daniel 9:3 NASB). After I listen to God through his Word, then the second step of prayer is to seek him.

God makes many promises in the Bible for those who seek him.

“Seek me and live” (Amos 5:4 NIV). As I persistently seek God, I’ll start learning how to really live.

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” (Proverbs 8:17 NIV). If I’m having trouble finding God, make sure I’m seeking him with the right motives, wanting to know him and not just wanting to get something from him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). I’m going to find God when I really want to know him, not just in my spare time.

“God . . . rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). If I want to see God reward my work, finances, relationships, and future, then seek him.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:31 NLT).

When I pursue God first, I don’t have to worry about all the other things the world says I need to stress over. Give him my attention. Turn my face to him, and show him that I want to give him first place in my life.

In summary, If I look for God wholeheartedly, I will find him. Giving someone my attention is the greatest gift because my time is my life. When I turn my face to someone and focus my eyes on them, it makes them feel like I genuinely care and are interested in what they have to say. I can do this with God. Just look up and show him that I’m checking in and ready to talk. There’s nothing in the Bible that says I have to close my eyes or bow my head. Try praying aloud to God and looking up. It's a physical reminder that I’m refocusing my attention. Daniel did this when he needed God’s help and wisdom. After I listen to God through his Word, then the second step of prayer is to seek him. God makes many promises in the Bible for those who seek him. As I persistently seek God, I’ll start learning how to really live. If I’m having trouble finding God, make sure I’m seeking him with the right motives, wanting to know him and not just wanting to get something from him. I’m going to find God when I really want to know him, not just in my spare time. If I want to see God reward my life, then seek him. When I pursue God first, I don’t have to worry about all the other things the world says. Give him my attention. Turn my face to him, and show him that I want to give him first place in my life.

According to God's wise plan, his people were to have hope and a future; consequently, they could call upon him in confidence. Although the exiles were in a difficult place and time, they did not need to despair because they had God's presence, the privilege of prayer, and God's grace. God can be sought and found when I seek him wholeheartedly. Neither strange lands, sorrows, frustration, nor physical problems can break my communion with God.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Prayer Starts with Listening

In Daniel 9:2 I read, “During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. I saw that the LORD told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be empty ruins for seventy years." (NCV)

Prayer doesn’t start with talking. It starts with listening.

For my prayers to be effective, first listen to God by reading his Word, the Bible. I need to let God talk to me so I know how to pray, what to pray, where to pray, and when to pray.

Daniel prayed effectively because he knew God’s Word. He had survived three different administrations in captivity and even gotten promoted within them. He was 85 years old and knew God had promised to bring the Israelites home after 70 years in Babylon. But he also knew that the Israelites had not turned back to God. Seventy years later, they were still as messed up as they ever were.

“During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. I saw that the LORD told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be empty ruins for seventy years” (Daniel 9:2 NCV).

Because he studied Scripture, Daniel knew what God had promised and what was required of Israel. Because of that, he could make wise decisions.

I will never be able to pray effectively until, like Daniel, I study the Scriptures and learn from God’s Word, every single day. The more I know the Bible, the more prayers I’m going to have answered. I’ve got to read from God’s Word every single day so I can learn and remember the promises that God has made to me.

I need to spend some time daily, however long it is, listening to God by reading the Bible and then talking to him. Daniel did this three times a day for more than 70 years! It was a daily habit for him.

Would my life be any different if I developed this same habit?  It’s no wonder Daniel avoided problems, became wise, and kept getting promoted.

Developing a habit of daily Bible study and prayer revolutionizes my life. It will make me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually stronger. I will be more confident, less fearful, and less stressed. It will improve every single area of my life.

Make it a point today to continue in a healthy discipline of Bible study and prayer so that I can listen to God and talk to him.

In summary, prayer doesn’t start with talking. It starts with listening. For my prayers to be effective, I need to first listen to God by reading his Word. I need to let God talk to me so I know how to, what to pray, where to, and when to pray. Daniel prayed effectively because he knew God’s Word. Because he studied Scripture, Daniel knew what God had promised and what was required of Israel. Because of that, he could make wise decisions. I will never be able to pray effectively until, like Daniel, I study the Scriptures and learn from God’s Word, every single day. The more I know the Bible, the more prayers I’m going to have answered. I’ve got to read from God’s Word every single day so I can learn and remember the promises that God has made to me. Spend some time daily, listening to God by reading and then talking to him. Daniel did this three times a day for more than 70 years! Would my life be any different if I developed this same habit? Daniel avoided problems, became wise, and kept getting promoted. Developing a habit of daily Bible study and prayer will revolutionize my life. I will be more confident, less fearful, and less stressed. So I need to continue in a healthy discipline of Bible study and prayer so that I can listen to God and talk to him.

In this passage I see the example of how Daniel pleaded with God to bring about the promised return of his people to their land. The prophet Jeremiah had written that God would not allow the captives to return to their land for 70 years. Daniel knew of this prophecy and realized that this 70-year period was coming to an end. Because of this, he knew how to pray effectively.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.