God speaks a lot about fear, specifically calling us not to fear. We find reminders throughout scripture about not worrying or being anxious.
6 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. 7 And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4, NCV)
I’m not sharing this with you to try and make you feel bad for worrying or feeling anxious. Rather, I want to encourage you to notice your feelings. Our feelings can be a window into what we are thinking, and it’s our thinking that often gets us in trouble.
This jumped out at me reading through Romans recently.
5 Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things the Spirit wants them to do. 6 If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace. (Romans 8, NCV)
Paul points out that what we think about matters. When our thinking is focused on our sinful selves, we’re going to wrestle much more with the negative feelings. He says though when our “thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace.”
What I’m suggesting here is to allow your feelings to give you pause. Are your feelings more negative, more anxious and fearful? Take time to consider what you are thinking about.
When noticing the negative feelings, acknowledge what you are truly thinking about, then intentionally turn your thoughts over to God and His promises.
We might see our mistakes, but in Christ, God sees us holy and blameless. We might feel like so much is out of control, but we know God is ultimately in control. He is faithful and loves us more than we know.
Take time to breathe, remembering He gives you life. Take time to thank God.
It’s a process, part of our life journey, as we love as Jesus loves.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
PS - Beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 6th thru Friday, Oct. 15th, pre-orders will be accepted for Mt. Zion’s Pot Pie (quart) and Pepper Slaw (half pint). Please note there is a 4 quart and 4 half pint maximum per order. You can place your pre-order on our website or by calling the office (717-486-4280). Pick-up dates to choose from are Friday, Oct. 22nd and Saturday, Oct. 23rd. There is no set price as it is by donation.