I CHOOSE TO PIVOT!
My cup of coffee this morning is a little warm, instead of being hot. The reason is, after pouring it, I just went into prayer. I needed to pray this morning before I began to sip my first cup of coffee.
I had just read this verse below: please read it with me again:
“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
“Did you catch where PEACE comes from? Jesus is the only place where we can find a peace that doesn’t change regardless of what problems we face!” And because of what Jesus has done for us, we can be encouraged because we know how the story ends—HE INDEED HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!
Furthermore, I hear a statement that I do not like, but need to hear:
“IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE! “
Now you know why I needed to pray before I began sipping my hot coffee! My mind, my flesh, my thoughts were not in sync with this truth. This coastal boy was allowing himself to drift instead of being anchored in the foundational truth we are discussing. I was choosing to lament, to feel sorry for myself, to ask questions that I will probably never have an answer to on this side of Heaven, instead of walking upon the water and trusting in Jesus. I needed to pray, to repent, to seek forgiveness, to re-vector my mind, my thoughts, my faith to HIM, who alone is able to restore me!
QUESTION: What about you today? How are your thoughts today? Are they flowing from HIS Truth? Have you shifted into living while being frustrated with your life circumstances? Do you need the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill you anew today, to restore you, to fill you with HIS hope, His peace, His joy? If so, are you willing to pivot today, choose to open your mind, and open your heart to HIM once again?
Once again, it comes down to our own choice! Foundational to a believer is the core belief that HE is always with us! As HE said, “I am the Lord thy God, and I am with you!”
Our challenge is dealing with our own flesh, our own mind, our own thoughts! It is very ok, and I hope you hear this—to be angry, disappointed, or frustrated!
However, here is our choice:
HOW LONG WILL WE CHOOSE TO DAILY RELISH THESE EMOTIONS BEFORE WE FALL ON OUR KNEES AND YIELD TO JESUS, ASKING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO COME AND CLEANSE US, TO LIFT US UP, TO TAKE OUR PAIN, OUR ANGER, AND FILL US WITH HIS HOPE, HIS PEACE, HIS JOY?
PRAYER:
God, I come to You today anxious or fearful about. __??___.
God, I know that You are not surprised by anything that is happening, so I ask You to replace my anxiety and my fear, with faith, hope, and peace.
Help me feel Your peace and Your presence in tangible, unexpected ways today so that I can share the hope I have in You with others. Thank You for never leaving me and for promising to always be with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
(Inspired by “Not Afraid” in Bible App)
