Peace and joy disappeared from my life the other day and it was AWFUL! My daily life has become one of contentment in all situations, at least that is what I strive for. Dennis saw a side of me he hadn't seen in a long time - a stressful Teresa - and he made a point of telling me how horrible it was to see me like that after all this time.
The last two years I have striven to alleviate stress from my life. Fewer unnecessary commitments. Saying no to things I would have said yes to in the past. Saying yes to more fun things. Allowing the house to "go" of chores for a day or two. Talking more about God. Praying more to God. (Still need to read the Bible more.) Looking for God's purpose in all situations, good or bad. I was starting to really live life the way I think God intended. It was wonderful. But then, all of a sudden for some reason an overwhelming amount of stress of getting things done whooshed down on me like a ton of bricks. (As if the world would have fallen apart had I not accomplished what "needed" to be done.) I hated the way I felt, Dennis didn't like it and I'm sure God was shaking His head at me thinking, "My child, why are you allowing this back into your life? You have experienced my peace and joy in good times and bad. Do not let the world tell you it has to be like this." The world says we need to be in control of everything. Right, how's that going for you? Hardships are a given in life but stressing long enough about it or worrying long enough about our problem will not make it go away.
My perspective on life has changed yet again. Well, maybe not changed but I was given a reminder with a good swift kick in the butt about what this life on earth is all about. Fact is, we are born and we will die. It is what we do for God's glory in the years in between that matter. My friend, whose cancer is back would slap me (well, not literally but would give a good tongue lashing) if I started crying continuously how unfair this situation is. There is NO woe is me allowed. She is the ultimate example, thus far in my life, of how a person lives a life of joy and peace. Her attitude is one of selflessness. Her attitude is one that says, "If this is for God's glory then use me, Lord." I imagine she experiences some sadness for her family and I know she has tough days as well but she knows how to give it to God and trusts completely that HE has this. By the world's standard, she should be stressing and worrying, yet she has peace....the kind of peace I want to continue to have. It is impossible to understand this kind of peace if you don't have Jesus in your life. Phillippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (comprehension), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Do you have Jesus in your life? Have you given control of your life back to Jesus? Have you asked Him to come into your heart to reign as your personal Savior? Who knows, maybe God's timing for you is now to invite Him in. I have which is how I have been able to experience His peace and contentment in good times and bad. My laundry awaits me as I type. My workout is still pending as I type. Bills need to be paid as I type but it is all good. I will not stress. It will get done. Writing for God's glory is more important.
Have a blessed day all!
