From Crazed to Praise
It has been far too long since my last post. A new baby, part-time work, starting a small design business, work around the house, and church related obligations has this girl feeling dazed and confused. Throw in all of the holiday craziness, and I'm officially diagnosing myself as a mental nutcase. At times I feel sad that my husband and I aren't getting to spend much time together, other times I feel overwhelmed at all the responsibilities that seem to be piling up on me, and still other times I feel agitated at people and situations around me during day-to-day activities.
Highly emotional? Yep, I'd agree with you there. Do you ever struggle with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, crazy (the list goes on and on)? Well, I was given a helpful new perspective this last Sunday, and hopefully it will be helpful to my fellow crazies out there.
I think we can all agree that God is sovereign, meaning that He is good and that nothing is out of His control. With that being said, we can know that every situation we are in, every person we come into contact with, and each moment in-between are within God's control. I would even go as far as to say that each moment of our life is purposefully orchestrated for our growth and His glory.
This is where the new perspective comes in. When we feel stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, sad, angry, bitter, anxious, annoyed, or completely crazy; that is when we need to take a breath and ask, "What is this supposed to be teaching me?" Maybe the answer is patience or to let go of your need for control. Maybe it's to appreciate the beauty of good times or to surrender all reliance over to Him. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." The "good" that he is referring to is the growth and maturity of our Christian life in order to bring about God's glory. The next verse tells us that He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. Knowing that God uses every circumstance and person in our life to transform our soul into the likeness of Christ is a cause for continual praise!
I challenge you (and myself) to ask what God is teaching you through an encounter or situation each day this coming week. As it becomes a habit, increase the number of times you reflect on this question until it becomes ingrained into your way of thinking. Romans 12 tells us to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect". Let's transform the emotions of everyday life into joyful praise to our good and gracious God!
Highly emotional? Yep, I'd agree with you there. Do you ever struggle with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, crazy (the list goes on and on)? Well, I was given a helpful new perspective this last Sunday, and hopefully it will be helpful to my fellow crazies out there.
I think we can all agree that God is sovereign, meaning that He is good and that nothing is out of His control. With that being said, we can know that every situation we are in, every person we come into contact with, and each moment in-between are within God's control. I would even go as far as to say that each moment of our life is purposefully orchestrated for our growth and His glory.
This is where the new perspective comes in. When we feel stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, sad, angry, bitter, anxious, annoyed, or completely crazy; that is when we need to take a breath and ask, "What is this supposed to be teaching me?" Maybe the answer is patience or to let go of your need for control. Maybe it's to appreciate the beauty of good times or to surrender all reliance over to Him. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." The "good" that he is referring to is the growth and maturity of our Christian life in order to bring about God's glory. The next verse tells us that He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. Knowing that God uses every circumstance and person in our life to transform our soul into the likeness of Christ is a cause for continual praise!
I challenge you (and myself) to ask what God is teaching you through an encounter or situation each day this coming week. As it becomes a habit, increase the number of times you reflect on this question until it becomes ingrained into your way of thinking. Romans 12 tells us to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect". Let's transform the emotions of everyday life into joyful praise to our good and gracious God!
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