“Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass … Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret … ” ~ Psalm 37:3-5,7

Lord, You are my Father — my good, good Father. I do not question that Your plans for me are good. I don’t even question Your ways — I’ve learned to trust in Your sovereignty.

But I still catch myself striving.

Like a gerbil on the wheel, some days I feel like I’m racing to accomplish all that is before me and not lose my footing, but it feels like I’m just madly going around in circles.

You have made it known to me to cease striving and remember You are God. I’ve walked in that Truth, lived it outloud.

So, why am I striving now?

The striving is not on the outside. I’ve toned down my work production to better match the needs of David, but it’s on the inside. I’m restLESS. My insides are churning all the time.

Like a stormy sea, calm is hard to find. Emotions toss me to and fro. Some days my emotions hurl me against boulders of anxiety, fear, and great sorrow.

And I take my eyes off You.

And I hear You whisper, “Cease striving, Nan. Cease striving and remember that I am God.”

I have forgotten how to rest in Your love, Lord, in the Secret Place beneath the shadow of Your wing. I have forgotten how to allow You to quiet me with Your love …

Your perfect love …

… With Your precious Presence that enfolds me and brings me peace.

Show me, Lord. Call to me and I will come running. I need Your peace.

I need and want to find my full contentment in You alone. Help me shut out the voices of the world that drive me and tell me I’m not good enough. I am good enough because I am Yours.

I don’t have to prove it. I can cease striving to achieve and please and perform. I can take Your hand and walk with You to the green pastures by the still waters and find rest.

I can and I will. Thank You for Your firm grip on me. You are wonderful, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen

*************************************************************

Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com

*************************************************************

Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,

NAN