For the last few months, I've been actively choosing to not get into striving about things. Previously, I would have pushed and struggled and usually made things come together, but with a lot of what is commonly called "the grind". However, none of it would have been achieved without a lot of stress, worry, and striving.
But as I've stepped back off situations I've been working on or facing, I've realised that when I am pushing, and the doors aren't opening or there is no peace on something, the best thing I can do is step back a little and say "Lord I'm trusting you with this and declare that you are going to work it out".
Then I choose to leave it in His hands and get on with my day. The result is that God can then gently guide me on what to do or not do next, and things happen at the appointed time without me stressing about it all. There is a rest, peace and renewed blessing on my work, circumstances and relationships. Everything does, in fact, work out for my good. (Romans 8:28)
There is a verse in the bible that says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Anxiety and worrying are the opposite of faith, and if there is one thing I have learnt, it's that worry steals our peace, but praying brings rest and breakthrough.
God's ways are different from ours, and He wants us to live free from striving and the world's cares. But to live like that, we have to live by His ways and not our own. When things come up that cause us to become anxious and worried, God wants us to seek His help.
Next time you start to stress and "grinding" to make things happen, I encourage you to:
Press pause, pray, seek His guidance, and believe that God's love and kindness will make a way where there was previously no way.
Trust Him and His promises that the work of your hands is blessed and that God is for you, so who can be against you so relax and trust God has your back, and He will make a way.
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you care about every area of my life. Please help me give everything into your hands and listen to what you say to do or not do. I cast all my cares on you and choose to trust you today. In Jesus Name Amen.