"Are you stressed?"

Yesterday I was challenged by the question "Are you stressed?"  Having learned to not give a quick answer, but to pause and consider circumstances before speaking ("think before you speak" echoes from my childhood...), I realized that a situation which had recently come into our lives had suddenly taken a change in form.  Although initially I had listened and waited to see what God was doing, just a few words from an unsuspecting person altered my perspective and cracked open a door into which the enemy had 'stuck his foot'.  My thoughts had moved forward at alarming speed toward possibilities that brought with them concerns, anxiety and pressure. A quick reflection helped me to recognize truth - enemy is real, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" -1 Peter 5:8. In this case, I was the target.

Thankful for this reminder, I quickly sought God and His plan, knowing that stress/urgency/pressure are not from Him. As I desire to follow His lead, and do intend to listen and obey, I was reminded of 1 Peter 5:7 "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you".  God knows our frame, how we are made - He made us and knows what we can & can't/should & shouldn't bear in our bodies, minds, and emotions. Jesus clearly tells us, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." -Matt. 11:28-30.  He has a plan for us to follow; are we obeying? Following His lead? 

It is Well with My Soul by Wayne Watson (click to hear song)

"As morning breaks, I look to you, O God, to be my strength this day"

More from Psalm 63; interesting to be in this psalm again - more to glean... 
'O God, You are my God; Early/earnestly will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. 7 Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. 8 My soul follows close/hard behind You; Your right hand upholds me. -NKJV/italics NIV_KJV

 I have been convicted/encouraged to seek God early and earnestly each day and it is noticeable when I don't.  Interesting that the Hebrew root word for EARLY shachar means 'be up early with the implication of earnestness' (diligence, painstaking searching).  O Lord, I desire to put You FIRST in my thoughts, my time, my actions.  Help me to put aside distractions and busyness that I may hear from You first each day, and in Your great mercy, help me to remember and respond at once to seek You.  You are Lord of my time and my day and my thoughts; I give You first place.

As Morning Breaks/Psalm 63 by John Michael Talbot (click to hear song)

The First Step...

Embarking on any new adventure requires a step of faith; using this site to encourage others is a new step for me.  Not a problem to want to do it, just takes time and new knowledge; as I've prayerfully considered how God would have me encourage others, blogging definitely gives the advantage to the reader.  May you be blessed as you consider these thoughts and may God give you revelation as you seek to know Him more.  He loves YOU. 

This first entry is from this morning's quiet time and was sent via email; if you receive this twice today, consider what God is telling you:)

Blessings on your day!  You have specifically been on my heart and in my prayers this morning - for your walk with God, your families, healing of your heart and body, wisdom, restoration of relationships, direction, finances and provision. Take a moment to rest in His love and breathe in His Spirit - refreshing, strength, peace for the minutes ahead.

Consider reading this out loud to let it permeate your whole being through seeing and hearing it: "I would have lost heart unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord! Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart.  Wait, I say, on the Lord!" -Ps. 27:13-14 NKJV

May you be encouraged all day long, knowing how much He loves you and plans for you and equips you - nothing comes into our lives without going through Him first.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." -Numbers 6:24-26

Give Ear to My Words by Maranatha (click to hear song)