Filler Up!

There are days when any little thing goes through me like a hot knife through butter. My nerves are frazzled, my temper is short and things that would normally bring me joy seem to be a nuisance. Yesterday was one of those days for me and well quite honestly today is not looking much better. It would be really easy for me to find an excuse for this anxiety but the cold hard truth is that there is nothing or no one to blame but myself. 

After being away for a week on vacation, I came home and found myself diving right in to busyness. Suddenly, I had the overwhelming feeling that I needed to be doing something. It didn't matter what it was, cleaning or emails, I just felt that I couldn't be still. My mind was moving so quickly that one thought couldn't have a chance to catch up with the last one and while I seemed to be accomplishing something, I felt like I was accomplishing nothing. Inevitably this always leads to anxiety.

Anxiety for me comes when I find myself ignoring the very thing that gives me the strength and perseverance to continue on--God's word. See in my "busyness", I neglect to take a moment and be still in the word of God. When I do this, I find my spiritual cup empty and then the door for Satan to enter, wide open. Anxiety and fear are not of God, but are from Satan and if he, Satan, can empty my spiritual cup and fill my life with busyness, he can keep my from the peace of God. I know this! I have experienced this over and over again, yet I still find myself getting sucked right in.

Ephesians 6:11-12 tell us: "Put on the full armor of God (His word)  so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:16 "In addition...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

If I or we, start our day with the Word of God, we are putting on the armor we or I need to thwart the flaming arrows of the evil one. Busyness, fear, anxiety, temptation, anger, and depression are all flaming arrows from Satan and when we, I put down our armor, the flames from those arrows can be consuming.  Satan loves nothing more than to take our weaknesses and use then to his advantage.  If we depend on the Word of God for our strength, Satan doesn't stand a chance!

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

God will most certainly strengthen us, but we must allow Him.  First, acknowlegde that only He is in control and fill your spiritual cup with the Word of God, then let Him direct your path.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

As I was writing this, God made His presence known to me.  My telephone rang and on the other line was one of my sisters in Christ.  Her first words to me were, "Hey girlfriend, I'm just calling to see how you are doing today." God knows what my struggles are and once I give them up to Him, He knows just how to strengthen and reassure me that He is right there with me.  All I need to do is ask.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

As for my spiritual cup....I say, "Filler up God!"
Wishing you the peace of God!
Until next time,
God Bless,
Cat