Growing My Faith

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Growing My Faith Part 19 - Pay Attention

by Gail Rodgers
Susan was feeling frayed around the edges. She felt irritated within herself and couldn’t seem to put her finger on anything. Sighing she finished folding the last load of laundry so there would be clean clothes for the kids in the morning. “O Lord… ” she silently prayed… not really knowing what else to say. She was grateful for bedtime.

As busy women who juggle a lot we often don’t have time to contemplate what is going on within us. Yet God tells us to pay attention to what is happening in our spirits. He tells us:

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the well spring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

But just how do you do that on a busy day as life hurries on? How do you guard your heart with so much coming at you from all directions? God’s Word actually spells out some specific steps. It tells us that God’s peace will actually guard our hearts and our minds, giving us stability and calmness if we take a few simple steps.
Pay attention to what is causing you to feel anxious in your thoughts. What brought that tension to your shoulders?
Tell God about it. Talk to Him as you would to your best friend.
Make an actual request to Him for His help, strength, wisdom or insight.
Don’t stop there. Find something to thank Him for.
You will begin to experience God bringing His own peace and calm to your heart and mind.
Here’s His promise:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6 & 7

Pay attention to anxiety creeping into your soul. Use God’s formula and as you do you will experience a calmness in your heart and in your mind that goes beyond understanding. It is the hand of your Heavenly Father steadying you. You can lean there.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
I am so thankful for Your understanding care to me. Today when anxiety steals into my heart remind me to pay attention and to talk to You about it. Guard my heart and my mind today with your amazing peace. I love you, Lord.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.