Philippians 4:6-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace….

Every person who has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior has a direct access to the Creator of the Universe. Unfortunately, many of us don’t use it enough!

Prayer.

Behind my sisters home lies a shallow, rocky river. If you look upstream to the left, you’ll notice a tree that uprooted during a storm and has fallen across the entire width of the river. Downstream from that tree, the water appears to be stopped and becoming stagnant. But, further down river, the water is once again trickling over the mossy rocks.

When that river flows, the way it was designed, it brings life to all those within and around its banks. When there is an obstruction that is not quickly moved-the river is in danger of becoming still and stagnant, resulting in possible death for those that depend on it for substance.

I have had several trees of worry fall into my river in my 36 years. The result of not having them removed quickly has lead to insomnia, anger and lack of joy. When I finally notice the affects of the decaying tree on my relationship with my Creator, spouse & children I try with all my might to remove it…but….that just leads to more worry & anger! Eventually, my stubborn pride relinquishes its hold and I go to the source of the river- the only One who can remove that tree. And, every time, without fail, His peace washes over me….

Years ago, when a worry tree fell into my river, the Holy Spirit prompted me to write a thankful list in my journal. I was amazed at how many items there were! When I finished writing, I praised the One who was due my gratefulness. And wouldn’t ya know it- I experienced God’s peace.

During my bible/prayer time this morning, another worry tree began leaning over my river. As our family approaches another season of unknown (Doug’s contract position ends next month), the temptation to worry about financial provision, possible relocation for a job, change in our home-school schedule, etc….can become overwhelming. But, when I reflect on our lives less that a year ago, I remember the miraculous ways that my Father removed every tree of worry…… and I KNOW that He can and will do it again!

All I have to do is:

-pray about everything

-tell God what I need (He doesn’t mind hearing about some of my wants either!)

-thank Him for all He has done

Here’s part of my thankful list for the past 18 + months:

-a year of time at home with my husband & children during unemployment

-financial provision (severance package, checks/cash from family, friends, anonymous people, not accruing debt!)

-divine health for all 6 of us

-God revealing Himself as my true comforter (when my husband was away for more than a week at a time)

There’s plenty more to be thankful for, but right now I just want to be still and watch the river flow….

Psalm 46:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

“Be still, and know that I am God!”