After the kiddos were off to school and my husband went to work, I began working on several things that are needing to be done this week: Planning an elementary Christmas party, which includes baking cookies for all of the students, making ornament craft kits and hot chocolate kits, getting games and other supplies ready for the party, elementary Christmas program, packing for a trip, finishing up Christmas gifts, ordering some things online, wrapping gifts, and Christmas parties and a family Christmas get-together. In addition, my dad (who I wrote about in yesterday's post) was supposed to get to go home from the hospital, didn't get the okay to go home (later on he did, thankfully). And, on top of that, something I had ordered and was looking forward to giving as a gift was broken and I didn't have the time to get a replacement. I was feeling way, way, way out of control.
Quickly, I decided to do something that's out of character for me. It's something I try to work on, but something that doesn't come naturally for my personality. I asked for help. (Aren't you proud of me??? Me, too!!) Facebook is a great way to request help on projects. I quickly had a few volunteers to help me with some of the elementary party needs. I called another friend and
A little while later, as I was getting ready, the overwhelming feeling continued and worsenedd a little bit. I don't get stressed often and I don't like the feeling at all. At that moment I did what I should have done in the very beginning....a few hours earlier. I prayed for God's spirit to calm my spirit. I prayed for Him to calm my anxious heart. And you know what? He did. Yes, He did!! And then I wonder, "Why wasn't that the first thing I did?" When I was feeling out of control, it was because I was actually trying to control everything. When I asked for help from God, I was giving Him control. That's what I should have done in the beginning!
Just as it's hard for me to ask for help from others, it's often hard for me to think to pray for God's help in times like these. I naturally think to pray when someone is sick or for those in need, but I have to admit that I don't always think to pray for myself and my emotions. It's that independent, self-reliant streak I have that gets in the way of relying on Him.
Today God showed me (yet again) that He will do just what He promised He will do. He will give us the strength we need when we ask Him. He will give us the help we need when we ask Him. He will calm our anxious hearts when we ask Him.....if we'll just ask Him and then let Him.
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.
Philippians 4:6-7
On this Gratituesday, I am grateful to God for calming my anxious heart! To find out what others are grateful for, visit Heavenly Homemakers.
1 comment:
I saw that on FB and was proud of you for asking for help. The Bible study by that name is a good one! Glad you stopped and prayed to the ONLY ONE who can do everything and little things. He cares for you!
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