Take a Deep Breath
SO here’s a thought:
Recently I have been struggling with wanting things I don’t have. This sounds like idolatry, pretty cut and dry, but honestly, it isn’t that simple. What if the things that I want are GOOD things? Some desires are sinful, but others, I would argue, are good desires, and even sometimes God-given desires. What if the things I want are things that are important, and What if they are in line with what God created me to desire? What if the thing I desire is to have a healthy, loving relationship with someone in my family? What if the thing I desire is a God-fearing husband? What if it is a baby? What if it is a safe house in which my kids can grow up? These are good things right?!?
Yes, those things are good desires, but here’s the speed bump:
Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
When I read this verse, I was instantly convicted. There’s my problem! I crossed the line from WANTING something good to being ANXIOUS about something good. Then I thought about what being anxious implies… and then I had to make an apology to God… Being anxious implies that I no longer just want a good thing, but that I want it my way and soon. In other words, it implies a lack of trust in the God who wants perfection.
Well, I feel like this is a long post, but I don’t want to leave out another conviction I had about that verse. Notice also that it says “with thanksgiving”. I was not only convicted about the anxiety that my desires reflected, but also the lack of gratefulness my prayer life has had recently. God has given me so much, and I need to always be mindful of that.
So, in conclusion to my lengthy post, take a deep breath and then feel free to let it out in a sigh of relief. Remind yourself to not be anxious, to trust God (who made you, loves you, and has a plan), and finally, to be thankful! I know that reminder was much needed in my life today!
Love you guys! Keep growing!
