I talk to many women who are drained, tired, frustrated, and can no longer see the beautiful plan God has for their life. Their lives have been running on empty and desperately need to be renewed by the Word of God and his faithful promises. Faithful Friday will make its debut on the blog every other Friday that will encourage and remind women just like you that God is still there and able to do all things. He still sees you and has each one of you in the palm of His hand.
I feel many women struggle with what they would call depression and negative thoughts. These women get so caught up in their own circumstances that they fail to have the joy and peace provided to us.
God promises you joy.
Philippians 4:4 states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Rejoicing in the Lord is not an option; actually the term rejoice in Philippians 4:4 is a command. Rejoicing in the Lord is something that we should do every morning. Throughout Scripture, the Bible mentions how we are to rejoice in our deepest pain and hardship. Although, at times, it might be easy to run from God, it is always better to run to Him. He is the one who we are to run toward in our afflictions, because He is the one who provides the ultimate comfort.
God promises you peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? God’s peace stands guard for you! He is the protector and conquerer against all things that attack your mind and heart.
Some things that commonly attack our heart and mind are worry, stress, jealousy, etc. These things attacking your mind and heart can cause you to take your focus off of Christ, which causes deep anxiety. This anxiety we sometimes take out on those who are closest to us. For instance, maybe your husband, children, or church member get the blunt force of your anxiety and lack of trust in the Lord. As we just read in Philippians 4:6, we are called to not be anxious. Through prayer you’ll experience the richness of His peace and joy in an overflowing abundance (John 17:13-14). You must be actively praying for God to consume you in His peace and joy every single day.
Remember, “Rejoice in the Lord always… Be anxious for nothing…Make your request known to God (Philippians 4:4-7).”