This morning while I was chatting with God my thoughts were racing. Recently my husband has said a few times to me, “Stop stressing over…” I didn’t know I was stressing. I’m not a big worrier. Heck, my “theme” and even the song Tim says defines me is “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. So, during prayer I asked God to show me any areas in my life that I need to lay before Him.
Prayer requests came flooding to me regarding: my words a couple of times lately that I’ve said and frustration displayed to my youngest child, resentment over a situation and towards someone, our new home that originally should have been completed by now but hasn’t even gotten started (!), and another situation that is causing tension within me resulting in feelings of not able to have an opinion or voice over it. (Each of these could definitely, and may eventually, be a journal entry on their own.)
Well, my oh my, Lord, ask and ye shall receive.
So I did as I told God I would do, lay them at His feet. The thing is…it seems that a couple of these requests I keep laying down for God to deal with and I have a tendency to want to snip a piece back and try to deal with it on my own. Ugh! That’s not very trusting of me. That action displays a lack of faith. Taking back even a snippet of a problem that I’ve given to the Lord also causes me undo-stress that I put on myself. God is chillin’ back saying, “My child, I’ve got this! Let go…for good.” (Ugh, human nature.)
This morning’s bible verse came from John 17:17, “Make them ready for Your service through Your truth. Your teaching is truth.” Do you grasp how cool this verse truly is? Listen, if you read John 17 you will be blown away, at least I hope you would. John 17 is a prayer that Jesus prayed for YOU! Yep, it wasn’t just for the disciples that were following Him, but for those in the present time who believe in Him. Check out John 17:20 when Jesus said to our Heavenly Father, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”
So here’s what God revealed to me today:

• Ask God to show you your Uh-ohs so you can give them back to Him.
• Ask and you will receive. God is true to His word. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22
• Forgive yourself, not just others. “But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” 1 John 1:9
• Things will happen in God’s perfect timing.
• Give, and don’t take them back causing anxiety.
• Don’t worry. “Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
• God’s word is truth. He teaches us through His truth. He prepares us for daily life through His word. We need to read, obey, and trust.
• Jesus prayed. We need to be prayerful as well.
• Jesus has already prayed for me and still intercedes for me. “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:25

 
 
I’m ready for His service for today now. How about you? May I suggest that you do as I did and pray, forgive, read, and believe in His truth? It will give you an extra pep in your step.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie