Passing Through…
Ever get wrapped up in all the mess? Angry or despairing? Heartbroken or lost? Too easy these days. The constant of fear, worry, the unknown – words and actions of others that seem out of control. How do we navigate?
When all I want to do is shake the wrong out of the perpetrators – I am reminded: this is a journey. Never, ever did Jesus say the journey would be easy. In fact, in 66 books of history not one easy journey is recorded. And ever since the last words penned in Revelation, we’d be hard-pressed to find any.
Even though I know this, I still often feel the anxiety rising. When I was 25 and the gift of faith and salvation became mine, the first passage I found in the Bible was this: “Rejoice in the Lord always…Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:4a-6a NIV)
I was amazed. I was certain that verse was written just for me. Don’t worry? That was my specialty. How about you? With riots and covid and elections and your own circumstances are you worrying?
The next part is our answer: “instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” (Philippians 4:6b NLT) Three things stand out so far – rejoice and pray and be thankful. Rejoicing about His promises and praising Him tends to put worry on the back burner. Let alone the thanking and praying part. Combine the three and the journey becomes bearable.
We’re hoping to take a vacation soon – stay in a mountain place that’s quiet and cool and far from chaos. We’ll take hikes and sit on the porch long. We’ll eat at a local place or two and talk to strangers. We’ll be passing through.
That’s life here – for everyone. For believers in Jesus and unbelievers. One thing we all have in common: a limited time on earth.
The next thing I read when I discovered God’s words to me: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT) Living in Christ Jesus – the way to journey in peace. My prayer? As we are passing through, let our steps speak of Jesus and lead others well.
parisrenae 
I always thought the verse was for me, too. Thanks for the reminder to rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Have fun on your trip.
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Smile – I bet that is a verse many of us claim. So glad He knows us so well. Blessings as you journey…
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These are such wonderful thoughts, Paris. The trip you’re planning sounds lovely. I hope it pans out, and that it refreshes you for the road ahead.
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Thanks, Lois, and may you be blessed on the journey – especially as you continue to shine His light.
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Wonderful thoughts, Paris! I am joining you in this prayer >>> “As we are passing through, let our steps speak of Jesus and lead others well.” Amen!
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Yes, let our steps speak well of our Savior. Blessings as you daily walk in the Light and show the way…
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