Tag Archives: surrender

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What the bible says about anxiety

Humility Preserves Peace

Stepping out from a doctor’s appointment, my heart was racing with thoughts of being so unprepared for this part of my story. Soothing words wrestled with my emotions, but it didn’t take away the feeling of losing control.

Flipping my bible open to verses on anxiety, I read 1 Peter 5:6 and my heart sank with the first two words: “Humble yourselves.” Was my anxiety stemming from pride?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

humilityAnxiety and stress can tempt us to lose sight of the sovereignty of God. Fear might overcompensate with pride and persuade us the outcome can be controlled. The problem with these emotions is that they will wear our human hands and hearts out.

A humble heart acknowledges the mighty hand of our Sovereign God and can accept that we’re not in control. Humility helps us let go of the questions and cast our cares with confidence in a loving, powerful God.

When we’re willing to release our grip on life and pray from a place of surrender and humility, we see the Truth that God cares enough for us to work it all out for our good.

The Almighty God who got us here can also take us there. He cares that much for us.

Are you still holding onto control in an area of your life, as if you can handle all that is coming your way? When those anxious feelings come up, think about where your future rests. Will any of your decisions change what God already has in mind?

If you feel like you’re drowning in anxiety, here’s a good place to refocus those thoughts: Father God, I know You are for me and not against me. You hold my past, present, and future in Your hands and will not let me stumble. Help me step down from the throne of control and humbly accept Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

© 2020 by Trisha Keehn. All rights reserved.

First Published on Beloved Women

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Is the most wonderful time of the year weighing you down?

peace, the presence of peace, fruit of surrenderEvery November I declare, “this Christmas is going to be different.” Before December is here nearly every weekend in my calendar is scribbled with parties, baking, shopping, and holiday events. There’s little time left to plug in Christmas pictures, greeting cards, decorations, cookies, crafts, and that annual Jingle Bell Run.

Why must it be this way every year? Why does the most wonderful time of the year end up weighing me down?

Usually by Thanksgiving, I’ve already run out of time to celebrate Jesus. I find myself tempted to abandon Christlikeness in favor of the lists and the lines.

This is a season that is supposed to center around a silent, holy night, the star and a Savior being born. It’s also a time of year known for overspending, overeating, overindulging, and overcommitting.

When we’re caught up in a calendar of activities, a very chaotic version of ourselves is created. We’re short with long lines, we might react to frustrations, or even become bitter instead of better with people.

What if the best gift we can give family and friends is something they don’t have to wait until December 25th to unwrap? Let’s not wait until after Christmas to begin the exchanges.

I have a feeling if we surrendered our to-do lists, demands, and desires for God’s plans of a peaceful place in our soul, we might find the deepest desires of our heart is met.

The presence of His peace in our soul is the fruit harvested when we place it all in His hands.

Less crazy. More sanity. That’s the goal.

The best part is that we are actually serving others when we swap out stress for a serene approach to our relationships. I want to offer family and friends a calm and joyful spirit, instead of an exhausted sigh. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend more time celebrating from the overflow of my heart instead of cringing at a cluttered calendar at this time of year?

I believe our choice to slow down, simplify the schedule, and soak up His presence can change things this year. I really think it can.

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Whatever It Takes

That is my prayer

prayer, trishakeehn.com

There is nothing to fear. If He is for me, who can be against me? So please, Jesus, use whatever it takes… to bring me to my knees in humble adoration of You alone. To get my perspective in alignment with Your Will. Take this surrendered heart and have your way. That is my prayer.

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Take Hold Of Your Daily Adventure

Have you ever considered the adventure God offers us each day with the circumstances that arrive? An adventure is defined by ’a bold, usually risky undertaking’, an ’exciting undertaking’, ’a very unusual experience’ and ’hazardous action of uncertain outcome’. Doesn’t that sound like faith?! Then why do we think and speak of a roller coaster or treasure hunt as an adventure and not so much our everyday faith walk with Christ? Why do thoughts of that first big dip on an amusement park ride invoke such deep anticipation and enthusiasm while our spiritual journey of the highs and lows each day seem meager in comparison?

I received word late in the afternoon just three days ago that my job would be ending mid week. I had all kinds of questions for God at first and then sat back in my chair for a moment to ponder a deeper meaning within. My head lifted a little higher as I recalled His provision is never failing… my heart was glazed in peace.

As I laid in bed that night I couldn’t help but become giddy about the adventure He and I were about to take together! Its in these times of closed doors, that if we allow, our confidence in the flesh is surrendered to the faith that our Almighty Provider is going to open another (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9). Taking it further, we know its going to be good (Romans 8:28)!

Everything on this earth, all creation and life were created to give glory to God. He gives us these experiences to show Himself glorious, supreme to any measure of supernatural human strength we could possibly muster up. For it is only by the grace of God that we are even still standing!

He calls us to a place of faith and rest in Him that He will bring goodness to us if we believe. He goes before us and with us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Now that is some kind of adventure! Everyday we have this opportunity available to us if we’re willing to let go of the reins and hand over our hearts fully to God. This ’job loss’ has me excited with anticipation for the glory of God to be revealed! And when this adventure is over, I know I’m gonna stand up and say “Let’s do it again!” Daily living with ’no hands’ in surrender to Christ is the best adventure life has to offer! If its not an adventure to you, I dare say you’re not totally surrendered to Him.