When thinking about what the Lord’s been speaking to me these last few weeks, all I can continue to hear Him say is, “Be anxious about nothing, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests made known to me.” I’ve found myself having to repeat these words over and over again. Once I started repeating these words, I no sooner started second guessing what was even making me feel anxious in the first place.
Now, let me fill you in a bit on the past few weeks. We. Got. Another. Dog….Yes! Yikes! What! Oh boy!@$#@#$ She’s the cutest little Goldendoodle (designer dog some may say) that I want to cuddle up every time I see her, but did I mention she is 12 weeks old? To catch you up, we have a 12 week old pup - Mia, and a 3.5 lbs morkie - Mickey. You may be able to predict what our days look like right now. There is no more coming home from work, going for a run, making dinner, cleaning up the house a bit, then getting on pinterest to fulfill my desire to decorate our house. The nights consist of wearing out Mia to the point where she is too exhausted to taunt Mickey and make his life miserable and then passing out on the couch from exhaustion myself. I get it. I choose the life you get when you choose to get a puppy, and yes, my husband warned me this was going to be trying!
So here I am, repeating the Lord’s words be anxious about nothing over and over because not only am I trying to figure out this whole duel dog situation, but I’m trying to figure out life. I find myself laughing out loud as I’m typing this because I can just imagine God looking down at me and saying,
“Oh dear daughter, you have a good intentions, you may not think things through all the time, but I know you mean well. Let me just tell you ONE more time. I am in control my child. You can try all you want to make your life turn out the way you envisioned, but I have plans for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you [or give you anxiety] I have plans to give you hope and a future!”
In all reality, why would I want things to go my way? My way is obviously a disaster. On top of this, the older I get, the more and more responsibility there is. On the other hand, the older I get the more I see how the Lord loves me and his plans are better than anything I could fathom. I could name numerous times in my life the Lord has showed up and although at times it was hard to follow his plan, I am continuing to learn how to trust in him with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.
If you find yourself feeling anxious about what’s to come or are unsure of the next step to take, take this challenge with me. Be kingdom minded with your thoughts and actions. Ask yourself if your motives are purely for selfish and earthly reasons or if they will further the Lord’s plan of growing his kingdom. Put the Lord above all else because he is faithful and the only one who can satisfy and sustain us both in time and for eternity.
On a complete side note: someone challenged me last week to turn off my radio in the car and instead, spend the time talking with the Lord. I was definitely up for the challenge and chose to start each day on my way to work in prayer with the Lord. It was an amazing experience starting each day off this way and put me in the right mindset for the day. I encourage you to try it out!
CHALLENGE
Spend time with the Lord this week and ask him to help you stay kingdom minded
Read the following scriptures: Philippians 4:6 , 1 Corinthians 3:18