Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7
This morning did not go as expected.
I’m usually up pretty early, and I’ve been diligently preparing for my days in advance. And if you’re a mom, then you know… even with the best of plans, things may still not go as expected.
Well, I was having that type of morning.
We were preparing to head out for a class for my little one that started at 10:15a, after which we were to attend a family festival at our church. I planned to be out the door by 9:40a, which would have given us ample time to arrive early and take our time getting from the car into the building. That’s been my norm for the past several weeks. Well, 9:40a came, and when I looked up again… it was 10:10a. FATHER!
I could feel my heart racing. I was definitely feeling hasty and unsettled… I felt anxious!
We finally pulled off at 10:20a, and I had every intention of “pressing my way”, to my daughter’s class… but I just could not shake that unsettled anxious feeling I had.
So I took a moment to breathe, and swiftly sought the Lord. Nothing deep or profound… I simply said “God, what do I do?” and almost immediately I could sense in my spirt the Lord leading us to go back home and “start over”.
Class was not in the plans for us this day.
As soon as I turned the car around to make our way back home to “start over”… ie change clothes, and get ready for the family festival…I felt God’s peace.
I did all of this in front of my kids… moved in haste, showed frustration, and then paused to pray for God’s Guidance. It was such a real moment and a great opportunity for them to see what it means to put Proverbs 3:5-6 into practice. My daughter was definitely upset that she’d be missing class, but I could see her eyes calm as she noticed the peace that was quickly overtaking me.
His word is true. If we go to Him in prayer, not only will He guide us, He will give us peace!
His ways are perfect. Even when they don’t line up with what we want… we trust that He knows best and we obey as He leads and guides us.
So we made our way to enjoy the rest of our day, with so much peace. No haste, no complaining or forcing… PEACE! And we had a BLAST!
You see sometimes it’s not about your plan working out, it’s about making the choice to seek Him and follow His leading. It’s about trust. Yes, I could have pressed and made my way to my daughter’s class. Sometimes a “press” is required. This wasn’t the case. And many times you will ONLY know the difference as you acknowledge Him and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Not feelings, or pressure… but rather that still small voice that says “go” or “be still”.
We always have a choice. I am growing and learning to pause, pray, and adhere to God’s direction every single time. That’s where the peace resides.
I pray that you will grow into doing the same.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7
Amen.
