Be Still and Don't Panic

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And just like that…Monday is back! Hey Girl! I pray that you had a blessed and fulfilled weekend.No one else can define what that looks like for you specifically but, as long you experienced the weekend in the manner in which you desired then it’s all good. And if you didn’t, you have another chance to speak into existence TODAY.Nonetheless, as I shared last Monday, I am committed to start every Monday off this month with a devotion. I received an amazing out pour of enjoyment from last week’s devotion post “When your Wait becomes your Wait”if you didn’t get a chance to read it I encourage you to do so.

Have you ever found yourself in a carefree space? Everything is going well sure, you have some things that you still need to work on but all is well or so you thought. It isn’t until we hear something, experience an abrupt change, or find ourselves facing some uncomfortable circumstances that we begin to panic. Last week, my husband and I received some news that wasn’t terrible however, it wasn’t comfortable for us. A shift in our finances had come upon us and immediately I saw my husband fall into this sunken, defeated space. We discussed what was taking place. As he was speaking, I was already in thinking mode. We have this to pay,that to pay, we’re still catching up on this and before I could even get the next thought out I heard God say Loud and Clear! DON’T PANIC!  I lie to you not, it was an immediate level of comfort that came over me. I replayed those two word instructions “don’t panic” in my head. Now you know it definitely wasn’t the devil telling me not to panic lol so I obliged.

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In that very moment,I thought about all the times that God brought us through. See, I’ve learned that over the years as I’ve grown closer to the things of God and established a relationship with him, that God doesn’t get us “OUT” of everything, but he is ALWAYS right there with us pulling us THROUGH. If you were to ask your parents growing up to get you OUT of everything how would you truly grow to be resilient, confident, or self-sufficient? It’s the same with God, the only difference is that God wants us to be more dependent on Him. I’m pretty confident when I say, anytime that I’ve tried to sit at the “control” table I fell short EVERY SINGLE TIME! Why? Because, that is not where we were assigned to sit.  When we take matters in to our own hands we’re only making decisions based upon limited resources. We know a lot, but we don’t know EVERYTHING!  God knows everything! The word says that he knew us before he formed us in the womb(Jeremiah 1:5). He knows what we’re going to do before we even do it so why don't we go to Him?

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1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” Isn’t that an incredible thought? We can cast any of our anxieties,worries, and fears on the Lord, because He cares for us. He cares for us.Reflecting on 1 Peter 5:7,I’m also reminded of Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus offers rest and peace of mind:

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“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30

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Only God can truly give us rest. For anyone who is heavy laden and filled with cares, cast them on God! 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your care not just some of your care. God wants it all. And in exchange, He’ll provide you with the peace that passes all understanding.

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If you find yourself with so many cares and if you’re feeling anxious or worried, take heart! Cast all your care upon God; He cares for you! Burden and care is too heavy for us to carry. Be still and know that He is God. Don’t Panic for He is with you! He will give you strength, He will help you, He will hold you steady, He has a tight grip on you. (Isaiah 41:10).

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Prayer:

Dear God,

I come before you to lay my panic and anxiety at your feet. When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of your power and your grace. Fill me with your peace as I trust in you and you alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and you have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens.

For this I thank you, Amen.

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XoXO,

Angie

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