Stress

Our lives are filled with stress: we worry about what we'll make to eat, we worry about our weight, we worry about appearances (both our own and that of our possessions), and we worry about what other people think. Then there is stress about our health, our job, our children, and our spouse. Any of us could fill a book with the stress we have in our lives. The stress consumes us, weighs upon our heart, and overwhelms us. There are things we can control and things we need to let go of; today's lesson is about both. Stress in your control includes meals, your weight, and the appearance of your possessions. Before anything else turn it ALL over to God and then begin to take control. Create a meal plan, an exercise plan, or commit to cleaning a set time each week. Create your plan and celebrate each victory. You will notice less stress and more enjoyment. As for stress outside of your control, learn to do what you can (i.e. standing up for yourself), and let go of the rest, allowing God to work it out for you. Giving up control is worth it. 

Confusion

Last night I didn't sleep much again, I hope this isn't turning into a trend, plagued by dreams of the one I love. Ordinarily dreams of him would be comforting, reassuring, but last night the dreams I had were awful, even nightmarish. I woke up longing for his comfort and protection, but I was all alone. My heart ached and I prayed. All day I waited for that prayer to be answered, but if there was an answer given I missed it. Tonight, I'm sad, filled with an intense longing and questioning how I should be feeling.

Love is unconditional: it believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13). I believe this, I practice this, and yet I'm questioning if I'm doing what I'm suppose to or just being stubborn. Today I am wondering if I'm being a stubborn child refusing to accept the Father's "No." If I am refusing to accept God's plans then I am delaying fulfillment, I am delaying God's blessings, and putting off the inevitable, which only brings pain. I don't want to be stubborn, but I can't escape the reality of unconditional love. I am reminded of the Prodigal Son. His father probably prayed every day for his son's return and everyday without an answer probably felt like God was saying, "No!" I don't know how the father took the waiting, I don't know if he ever gave up, but I know there was so much joy in the return. 

The father had to wait for the prodigal son, he didn't know if or when his son would come back, and yet it seems he was there waiting. Tonight I don't know if that is what I am suppose to do. Do I wait or do I let go? I do both. I pray and I patiently wait for an answer, for restoration, for the next step. I pray and turn it all over to God. He has the control, not me, and let's be honest He is way more qualified. It is ok to not have the answers. God does.

When you're in a place of confusion and you don't know what to do, do nothing. Well not nothing. Pray. Pray, giving it all to God, and wait for His solution, His wisdom, or whatever else it is you need. God knows exactly what you need and how to answer your need according to His plan. Confusion is part of being human so just pray, let go, and wait. It's in God's hands.