Stressed?

Are we so busy rushing around we can’t think straight? Have we so many things to do we don’t know where to start? We’ve got to do this, and got to do that, but we haven’t time, and there’s not enough hours in the day. What are we doing, and where are we going? Does everything appear so important that we think if we don’t get this done in time, or achieve that goal, or make this appointment, our world will fall apart? Some of us may be worrying about things that may never happen, or the consequences of what’s already happened. Perhaps we’re losing sleep over something that’s not going to change overnight.

God wants to be involved in our situations, so He can guide us by His Spirit and draw us out of inner turmoil to know that He can work in every situation for good. But do we sometimes tend to squeeze Him out? Often our life is so packed with issues concerning ourselves, we find no room for God, who just wants to bring the fullness of life itself to those who would receive it (John:10). Think about Jesus. Do we see Him rushing around from one place to another with no time to spare, constantly juggling His jobs according to their priorities? Or does He seem calm and confident, knowing that He’s in the right place doing the right thing at the right time? (John 6:38).

So where does our confidence lie, and how do we steer our ship through turbulent waters without sinking? I believe we’ve got to have direction, and we need to be assured that our motives and decisions are in line with God’s. How do we do this? It’s by walking in the Spirit, with our lives centred on God. It’s being ‘God conscious’ at all times, not drifting into the enemy’s domain, but living according to God’s principles. That way the enemy has no hold over us, and we’re open to the leading and guidance of God.

The way we want to go may not be God’s way, but if we’re walking close to Him, He'll show us. Isaiah 30:21 says, ‘And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it”, when you turn to the right or when you turn the left’. And if we’re truly walking with the Lord, I believe Romans 8:28 will give us confidence: ‘All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.’ If we honestly do what we believe is right, God will bring us into line with His way, and all will be well.

Trust in the Lord and submission to His way is the key. Jesus said to the Father, ‘Not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:44). As we bring the Lord into every situation He will guide and protect us, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:6). Then the Spirit will bring to mind the words of Jesus: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (John 14:27).

Prayer: Which way Lord? So often I ask You to make my decisions for me, but You give us freedom to make choices every day. I ask You to guide me by Your Holy Spirit in the choices I have to make, and to know the way I should go. Help me to know Your presence and peace at all times, as I look to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.