I have been so stressed lately. It seems that the root cause of my anxiety, stress and worry is financial.
Never have I been totally free of monetary woes, but I've hardly lived my life pinching every single penny for fear that one coin will be my undoing. Last night I seriously broke down while on the phone with my mom. Me–a NON crier, was weeping in my living room, overcome with financial worry.
My dear mother chose, in this instance, not to embarass me or chastize me, but to counsel me. She pulled from personal experiences, family history, and Biblical scripture. It did not alleviate all my fears, but her words certainly put me in a better frame of mind.
Money is a black hole; there is a reason for the cliche, "money is the root of all evil," for it has the ability to gain power over reason, blind practicality, and inhibit responsibility. My mom reminded me that money is just…money. It does have a use in the world, but it does not perform miracles, cure the incurable, or better human character. I was able to see my life for what it is and understand my situation more clearly.
This morning I still worried about paying for an oil change in my car, and this afternoon I'm worried about paying my electric bills; however, I am a bit more at peace with my mission costs. I did not get a donation overnight, but I did pray for support. I thanked God for all the wonderful blessings I have received, I praised God for His power to do the impossible and I asked for patience and strength of faith in His plans.
While browsing the internet, I found (accidentally, randomly) a daily devotion. So I read. Today's scripture devotion is nothing less than an outright statement to me from God:
James 4:8 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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
I pray that I let God guard my heart and mind against the things of the world that guide me down a path of worldliness, stress, worry and utter devastation. True happiness comes from knowing that God is in control. I need only be an obedient, devoted follower of His will.
