I have joined over 7,000 ladies all over the world for an incredible journey in Stressed-less Living, an online Bible study hosted by Melissa Taylor and Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have been following them for a few years now, but this is my first online Bible study.
You may ask,
"Why does a missionary need an to join a Bible study outside of her own church led studies?"
Or maybe not, maybe you totally understand the "stressors" upon missionaries and their families, not to mention, three home-schooled teen boys. (well, one is still pre- teen, but too close for comfort) This post
isn´t about my "stressors", though. It is about breaking the chain of stress and claiming victory.
I choose to be thankful! I choose not to dwell on the problems I can´t solve. I choose to praise even in the storms of this crazy life. I choose to say more thanks than complaints, more praise than pickiness, more gratefulness than grating.
It is a decision, just like any other discipline. I must discipline myself to think lovely thoughts, thankful thoughts, even if I don´t feel very lovely nor thankful. Often, I don´t even have time to think of our weekly theme verse, but I have been able to cry out to the Lord . Then He brings the verse to my memory or a song that goes with that verse.
Last week´s verse was,
"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. O that men would praise the LORD for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Psalm 107:19-21
I am experiencing the Word of God coming and speaking to my tired heart. His Word heals and strengthens. We just need to take that first step and cry out to the Lord. Then He can come and comfort you, and calm the storm in you . You can once again hear His still small voice whispering His Word into your heart and mind.
I prayed for two friends this past week. Then proceeded to worry that they wouldn´t come to know Jesus. I stopped and heard this verse in my mind,
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
Has it been a while since you have heard Him through His Word? Do you have "stressors" keeping you from resting in Him? When we choose to be thankful, our situation might not change but our perspective will!
Hello, my friend! How are you? It's been too long since I popped over here and left a comment.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sweet sister. So true!
When we choose to give thanks it is a matter of obedience. We are choosing to be thankful not because we "feel" thankful, but because we CHOOSE to be thankful, out of obedience to our Lord.
And when we obey we find peace and joy, not joy in the circumstance but joy in spite of the circumstances. Joy in the Lord! Beautiful post, my friend! :)
Hey, Nan! so great to hear from you! I definately need to head over to see you at Momstheword.
DeleteYou even went a step further calling it a matter of obedience. I totally agree.
OH, how I fail! It´s so discouraging when I write a post like this and then fail the very next day.
See you soon!
Amen I choose to be thankful and grateful even when I'm hurting. I have felt such peace the last three weeks since I started blogging about my blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! It is a tough lesson for sure! So glad to be doing this study with you!
DeleteThanks for sharing. I am also in ministry as a pastor and I had the same thought that you expressed. If I am leading two women's Bible study at my local church, why do I need to do an online one? I am so glad that you expressed that thought. It is amazing what this study is doing. I enjoyed reading your blog and will definitely drop by again. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSTephanie, We definitely need to support one another! thanks for stopping by! - Dani
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