Forever Beloved - Faith, Love & Truth

March 14, 2014

Pray More, Worry Less

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

Since December, God has been speaking to my heart about prayer. He made is clear that my word for this year should be prayer. And that my verse of the year should be 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I will admit, I was kinda sad that I didn’t get a “cool kid” word at first, but quickly realized that was just my spoiled brat nature coming out in me.

Over the past few months, I’ve spent lots of time in prayer. I’ve kept a prayer journal (which I LOVE) and I’ve been studying prayer. If it’s going to be my word for the year then I should know as much as I can about it.

And with that, our next Bible study here at Forever Beloved was born…simply titled Pray More, Worry Less. And I am SUPER excited!!!!

Let me share a little with y’all…

This girl right here is a worrier by nature. Ugh, any of y’all with me on that one? It’s not one of my better qualities. I worry about paying the bills, about Joey driving, about my dog having arthritis, about Joe’s work, my family’s health, about my housework, about my business, blah blah blah on and on. My to-do lists keep me awake at night. Because clearly laying awake at night worrying will get my chores done, right? Questions like what if and should I have swirl around my mind, holding me hostage and keeping me chained to my worries and fears.

The trouble with worry is that it doesn’t seem all that harmful. It has taken on the form of a acceptable sin. We all do it…so, why even call it a sin? Come on, it’s just a little thought in our mind that no one else can see or hear. Let’s just gloss over it, sweep it under the rug and call it a day. Or better yet, let’s rename it. That way we can not feel guilty about it. Let’s call it stress, anxiety or just concern. Yes, glad we solved that one!
But wait, renaming it stress and pretending it’s not a sin doesn’t make me feel any better. I still feel yucky and I still lay awake at night thinking about scrubbing my carpets.

Join us here each Friday as we discuss getting rid of that never-ending feeling of doom by handing all our worries (and dirty carpets) over to God. Our study will wrap up on Good Friday. We can either keep getting upset and feeling hopeless or face our problems in a more positive and faith-filled manner by continually seeking and trust in the Lord by giving Him our burdens continually.

March 11, 2014

A Lonely Battle

For 14 years I worked outside of the home. I was the social butterfly of the office, flitting from desk to desk to chat. This girl never was at a loss for words. I was surrounded daily with friends, laughter and fellowship. And I loved it. I super loved it. God gave this girl a craving in her heart for social connections.

When I became sick a few years ago and required multiple surgeries, I was eventually forced to make a difficult decision. The answer was early retirement. In that instant, my world changed. I was walking into a new season in my life. My social interactions would be now limited, more than I ever imagined.

At first the transition didn’t seem so bad. I would still visit my old job and do my normal flitting around the office. But through time, those visits got less and less. Now they are virtually nonexistent. I would fill the void with occasional “friend time” with non-work friends. But that eventually got less and is now nonexistent as well. Broken friendships. Failed friendships. Walls built. Days spent only talking to my dog. Lunches alone. Walks alone.

How is it even possible to be a lonely believer? Sounds like such an oxymoron, doesn’t it? I know that Jesus is my best friend, so how am I still lonely? I have my husband and children. I have my parents next door. I have a Mama I talk to daily. I have two dogs and two cats. I have a life that boarders on crazy from time to time. How is it possible among all of that for me to feel lonely? Why does it make me feel guilty to even admit loneliness?

David, “a man after God’s own heart”, was lonely. In Psalm 25:16 he said to the Lord, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” David was lonely! Wow, so a man after God’s own heart, a man who clearly wasn’t afraid of anything, was lonely and felt isolated.

I’m not sure exactly what my soul is craving, but God knows. And in that gap between my longing and Him fulfilling the fellowship I desire, I’m choosing to trust His timing. It might possibly be the hardest thing I’ve done.

How can I find comfort? How can I find patience? Where do I look? In the love story He wrote for us, in His word. I have taken on three verses for the year and every hard situation I’m faced with, these verses comfort me.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

If we aren’t careful, satan can use this time of loneliness to enter sinful thoughts into our minds such as self pity, self-centeredness, bitterness, anger and jealousy. We may attempt to put a band aid on the pain by turning to the television, alcohol, shopping, binge eating, or excessive computer time. We need to find our comfort through releasing our needs to God in prayer and trusting Him and His timing.

As I write this post through tears, many tears, I urge you to allow Him to fill the gap. Trust in Him, delight in His timing and allow Him to fill the hole inside of you.