INTENTIONALLY PEACEFUL

Scripture: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 (NIV)

Devotional: Oftentimes my mind works like a non-stop machine that doesn’t seem to turn off, produces masterpieces, and at the same time can break down like the broken ice cream machine at your favorite fast food spot. I get overwhelmed quickly, and at times, if the right recipe is brewing, I get overwhelmed and shut down. The average person would never know. I am great at hiding it, and stuffing it. I believe pushing through has become a norm. However, God doesn’t want us to live a life where we hide our truths, or struggle through life day to day.

Now, with my overworking mind, I have built an amazing company, helped hundreds of people over the years, and raised beautiful children. I have made a pretty good life for myself (With God’s provision and help. He must get the glory here, as at no point will I ever say He was not with me, or made it a way for me to have what I have). Life is not troublesome for me right now. I say right now as trust I do have a past full of pain and heartache. Trauma knows my name.

Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed has known me most of my adult life. I have tried to break up with them many times, and at one point, I just told God, I guess this is how you made me, so I just stopped praying about it. But how many of you know that there is freedom in God?

With all the emotions I can ever feel, He can provide peace in just one single second, when I speak to Him. When I cry out to Him, when I pray, or look up and just breathe, God sees me, He hears me, and He gives me peace that is unexplained.

Before Jesus died he was overwhelmed. Jesus was so overwhelmed it was to the point of death. What did Jesus do with His agony? He sought out a peaceful place, spoke what He was feeling, gathered His friends for support, and went to His father in prayer. Jesus was intentional.

Today, I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I want you to know that you have a built in lifeline in God. You can call on Him at any time and He will provide you with peace. He will guide you, He will provide rest, and He will turn off that overthinking mind. Being overwhelmed doesn't have to be your daily routine. Get intentional about solving the burdens that captivate your mind and go to God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you know our minds and you know our burdens. We lay both at your feet. We ask that you remind us that perfectionism is not possible, and that doing our best is just enough. We pray that you guide our steps and provide us with a road map to where we need to be. God, we ask that you provide us with peace, even when it doesn't make sense for us to have it. Lord, we thank you that we can come to you for all concerns and we love you for loving us. Cover our minds and lighten our hearts God. In Jesus name we do pray, Amen!.