Don't Fret

God has been using so many means...including Philippians 4...to minister to and encourage my heart this weekend. My husband and I are departing on a missions trip in just two weeks. Our precious boys will be left in the care of their loving grandparents for 12 days. Oh, how this mama's heart aches as reality sets in and I realize that I really and truly will be leaving the country, as well as our cherished young men.

There have been so many "fleshly" reasons to worry and fret, and unfortunately, I've given in to my flesh many times in recent weeks. But in the midst of all this, God has used our dear friends and family to hold us up and direct our focus to Him. This weekend has been such a clear reminder of God's love for me. He's used His children to remind me of His faithfulness and sovereignty. Two days ago I was feeling so overwhelmed and fearful. But how I praise God for those dear ones who have come alongside us and held us up when we felt so weak.

I looked up Philippians 4 in "The Message" and love how it's written:

"Celebrate God all day, everyday. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive.

He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious---and best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:4-9, 13 ~ The Message