I push mow my elderly neighbor’s lawn. It’s a beautiful, thick lawn that loves to grow and takes about 45 minutes to mow. I enjoy being outside so I really don’t mind. But I do mind that there are around 4-5 holes in her yard that are difficult to see because of the thick grass. Invariably, I step in at least one each time I mow. My ankles do not enjoy this added feature of lawn care! They end up hurting me all week long. It would help if I’d pay more attention and watch for the holes, but they seem to continually sneak up on me. I wish someone would have told me to watch out for the potholes.
Likewise, if we’re not careful, life can trip us up. Negative thoughts have a way of sneaking up on us, and before we realize it: worry and fear have moved in. When this happens, our own thoughts hold us down. They keep us from living a peaceful life. God wants to help with this. “Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think…” (Romans 12:2, CEV) Trusting God in our difficult situations is a great place to start. When we look to him, we begin to feel his peace. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). Life offers plenty of chances for worry to sneak into our thoughts. God has an answer for each one. “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. “(Philippians 4:6-7, CEV) My advice: watch out for the potholes!
Things to do today:
- Call out to God as soon as you start to worry.
- Read a similar blog called ‘It’s Okay, You Can Let Go’ and listen to songs ‘Just Be Held’ and ‘Fear is a Liar.’