Thinking, thinking, thinking...that is what I was doing.
And all that thinking led me to worry, worry, worry.
I’m amazed at how quickly our thoughts can trap us in worry. When the unexpected happens and our lives are thrown off course our thoughts begin to pile up faster than dirty dishes in the sink. Those piled up thoughts can lead to worry just like dirty dishes can lead to a stinky kitchen.
I couldn’t turn off my thinking. I tried to say to myself, “It will be okay. It will all work out.” But that didn’t help. Self pep talks didn’t help. Talking about it didn’t help. I was miserable. I was sitting in a pile of worried thoughts. And honestly I was making everyone around me miserable too. It’s true, when mom’s not happy nobody's happy.
I thought that thinking about my problem was going to solve my problem. And I like problems solved. But thinking about it only led to more thinking and that led to worry. But the heart craves peace.
And I know that peace is possible in any storm because I know Jesus. He is the one that calms all storms. So why couldn’t my heart claim the peace I so desperately craved.
I was thinking not praying.
As soon as I began to pray about what I had no control over an ocean of peace flooded my worried heart. Each worry turned into a prayer. Why is it that peace is only found in prayer? Because prayer is surrender. It’s that same thing that happens when my daughter slips her hand into mine as we cross the street. Trust. And with trust comes peace.
I trust that God is good. I trust that He has a plan. I trust that He is working that plan for our good.
We are naturally going to think about the troubles life brings. But we have a choice. We can keep thinking about them or we can turn our thinking into prayer.
Today I’m choosing prayer. Will you?
"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
