A Christmas word problem for you:
There is a busy woman who has 1,000 anxious thoughts about the upcoming Holiday season.
She entrusts herself to the Lord and casts all of her anxieties on the Lord as she prays and gives thanks.
What does that equal?
Mathematically we would obviously say that she then has zero anxious thoughts. We all know that is just too good to be true. In the real world, the anxious thoughts will replenish themselves quickly or new ones will appear. As in The Gremlins, a movie I watched years ago; those gremlins just kept reproducing themselves!
We will have stress and challenges and temptations each day – maybe even every hour of every day – maybe every minute! As these things come, we can repeat this word problem over and over. And the promised answer is that, AS WE DO THAT, we will receive this:
“The peace of God which transcends all understanding guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
I am reminded of a favorite quote of mine by Corrie Ten Boom:
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed, if you look at yourself, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”
How would you like to enjoy the peace of God and a guarded heart throughout the next couple of months? The answer isn’t so much in the right book or a magical prayer. It’s turning toward the Lord and focusing on His truths in scripture.
I’m preparing my heart early this year. I’m starting now meditating on God’s truths each day to prepare my heart for what is most important in these final days of 2016 as I attempt to love God and my family well. This is something I strive to do every day. While sometimes I fail, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I must begin to begin again. It is especially important during the holiday season. Will you join me? I found this wonderful tool from my blogging friend, Sarah Geringer:
Christmas Peace for Busy Moms.
Sarah offers an easy to use tool which helps us to remember, once again, who we are in Christ and who He is. The scriptures she uses and questions she asks are just the right ones to help me evaluate where my heart is and where I long for it to be.
Where do I want my heart?
I want it to be turning away from all that entangles in this world and in my own mind toward Him, His grace, and His Kingdom.
You can get Sarah’s book by clicking on the picture above. I’m also giving away three copies of the Kindle version next week on Saturday, November 12! Just sign up for my newsletter and you will be entered! I’m happy to send the Kindle version to a friend of yours if you choose to order your own copy now.
When you sign up for my newsletter, you will also receive an e-booklet that I put together called, Asking is Loving: Powerful life-changing questions to ask yourself and the people you love. You’ll also be the first to receive free S T R E T C H My Faith Therapeutic Stretch videos as they become available.
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Linking up with the ladies at the following inspiring blogs this week:
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Philippians 4 is where I’m spending my day- what a lovely surprise to find a verse from the chapter here! You are so right- preparing our hearts before Him is most important all the time, and the holidays are no exception! Hope you soak in that peace beyond understanding today 🙂
Thanks for visiting me! I could spend every day in Philippians 4! So much there for getting my mind straight! Blessings to you as you focus on Him this season!
What a wonderful study for all of us! I’m a huge fan of Corrie Ten Boom and so much of her wisdom. Love the concept of preparing our hearts as we enter this season. Visiting from Suzies and inviting you to share over at Fresh Market Friday!
Hi Crystal—thanks for visiting here and your invite to Fresh Market Friday. I’ll check it out! Corrie was an amazing woman and her quotes stick with me as well!
I love the quote from Corrie ten Boom. She has been such an inspiration to me. Getting all keyed up in what should be a season of beauty and peace and hope is not the way to celebrate Christ’s appearing. I hope to remain close to the One Who comes.
Hi Linda…thanks for visiting! Corrie is an inspiration isn’t she? I think she will be to so many for many years beyond her time. Blessings as you seek to remain close to Christ throughout the holidays and throughout your life…
I could always use extra peace. What a beautiful reminder.
Blessings as you seek more peace especially during this season. Thanks for the visit!
So much truth here. I’m choosing to prepare my heart with His word and peace this year. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for visiting, Laura. God bless you as you prepare!
I think this is a great reminder for the holidays and basically any time we feel anxious. As we do the 3 things God instructed… present our requests with prayer, petition and thanksgiving, we can breathe in His peace and be free from anxiety. Thanks!
Karen – thanks for visiting here! Blessings to you as you set your mind on Christ this season!
Hi Amy,
As a super-organizer I love this post as we stand on the cusp of the holiday season! Keeping track of parties, celebrations and soaking in the real reason for the season is difficult to achieve during the busiest time of the year. Thank you for giving us a plan for peace!
Oh how I wish that I could say I’m a super-organizer! I’m hoping this will help my sense of peace even when I’m not feeling very organized! Thanks for visiting…
Sounds like a wonderful study for the holiday season. Thanks for linking up at Glimpses!
Thank you for the linkup!
What a beautiful, timely post. I have not heard that quote before but the timing was perfect for me today!
And exhale. It’s so easy to get caught up in the Christmas crazy… thank you for this wonderful reminder before the hoilday clock starts ticking! And the Corrie Ten Boom quote is priceless. 🙂 Stopping by from #TellHisStory