I spent a while yesterday pulling up thistles from a garden. They are one miserable weed. Painful to pull out and stubborn. They have long roots and are excited about growing right back. As I was pulling on those weeds I was thinking about how easy the bad habits in my life like to come back. It takes very little effort to find myself right back where I did not want to be.
One of these habits is feeling intimidated with a fear of failure mixed in. I will be starting a little job in August. It is only 10 hours a week and virtual. My family and friends who know me, all with one voice say, “It is perfect for you, and you will do great.” All kind words and I hope and pray that it is true.
When I read over the employee contract, the one word that kept jumping out at me is “termination”; the outcome if I do not fulfill my role. I have never been “terminated” in my life from a job, but the thought of it terrifies me.
I have been thinking about this all morning and that well memorized Bible verse came marching into my mind. “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty”. (Phil 4:13)
I love reading this whole chapter in Philippians. In my mind it is a guide to living well and how to rest in God’s peace. His peace rests on us as we do what Phil 4:8-9 remind us:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Where our thoughts rest determines what follows. When we face challenges in our lives, it is wonderful to know that Jesus offers to help us with those things that seem overwhelming or difficult. In all of this, Philippians 4:6 is always there inviting us to pray about everything. Step by step.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Perhaps you can relate to some kind of fear that keeps nipping at your heals. Ask Jesus, He promises to help!
Dear Father,
Thank You for the instructions and promises of Philippians 4. You know very well the fears that are knocking on my mind’s door these days. Thank You for your promise that You will help me and that I do not need to be anxious as it is so unhelpful anyways! I choose to rest in You today and trust You to help me in all these things.
In Jesus Name,
Amen