“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.”
Phillipians 4:4-7
I woke up this morning with thoughts of gratitude on my mind. We are heading into Thanksgiving this weekend, and I find so often in life now holidays equal pressure, disappointment and expectation. For those that can’t be with their families, perhaps through distance, estrangement or loss it can be a very lonely time. When there is violence happening all around us, it can be easy to turn to fear and anxiety about what tomorrow may hold. There are so many unknowns.
With all of the events of the week, my own heart and life included, it is easy to get swayed. I love sharing fall decor and centre pieces, and eating yummy food and updating you on house projects. But I know, that those are just a small part of life- one that offers respite, inspiration, and distraction. Today I wanted to remind myself, and maybe you, to find JOY in the Lord. Grasp onto that joy, and lead with gentleness. Do not be anxious about anything- not tomorrow, not the holidays, not the unknowns in the political and social climate of our culture. Bring those burdens, hopes and prayers before God and let him fill you with his peace. Let him guard your heart and mind against all that would pull you away from him.
God has brought me through the mire, and I know that he will do it again and again. He has promised to walk along side me- and while that doesn’t mean all will go my way, and life won’t be hard or challenging- he will never leave me or forsake me. The same is true for you today. He is with you. He is with you.
Give thanks for HE is good.
-Miss Ash
He is always there for us.