Inspired by Jesus

“Under the Circumstances”

Devotions by Tiffany

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8, NLT 

When circumstances come are you driven in a direction that you said you wouldn’t go again?  Do you feel confident and on top of the world and then when something unexpected happens, you panic? I am sure we all do this at times. The flesh is our natural bent and we have to realize that we cannot make it without the Holy Spirit’s leading each day. 

I have been in situations where I had a wonderful day at work/etc. and before I get home I say to myself, no matter what, I am going to have a great attitude, stay in the Spirit and watch what I say.  Then, I walk in the door and someone complains or says something that leads me into that fleshly direction again. I look back and say, how did I get here again? In my experiences, there is usually a familiar trigger that the enemy uses to push my buttons and sometimes I fall for it again because there may have been a root (rejection, bitterness, etc.) somewhere or I simply wasn’t prepared. If you happen to be a people-pleaser and someone isn’t happy it can cause different emotions also.  I know for myself, when my husband or someone close to me is frustrated and upset about something, I feel like I am suppose to make them happy and get them out of their mood. Then I start to feel like a failure because I am trying to control the situation and it is not working.  Then the guilt starts, do you know where I am going here? Guilt is toxic, debilitating and not from God. With a performance driven background I have to constantly remind myself that my little shoulders cannot hold all these burdens.  I cannot control people’s reactions or change their attitude.

We weren’t created to handle all of life’s obstacles and their outcomes. God wants to carry these burdens and make your load light.  His word says, “Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.”  So why are you trying to hold on to them? Is it out of habit, do you feel like you are suppose to be holding onto something or you feel useless. Feelings will lie to us, they cannot always be trusted. To be honest, my flesh has even felt uncomfortable when my burdens were light, almost as if I was doing something wrong. This was only because I didn’t get into the habit of releasing the burdens to Him.  We need the peace that passes all understanding on a continual daily basis.  If you have experienced God’s wonderful peace, there is nothing like it in this world. His peace keeps me from focusing on the circumstances and enables me to enjoy His presence. Peace will not come looking for you, it has to be pursued. However, it is easy to have peace if you are tuned into the peace keeper and His promises. When we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and choose to walk in His glorious light, peace always follows.   

So where are you today, in turmoil or perfect peace? No matter what the circumstances, God is with you and He wants you to surrender the cares of this world to Him.  For He cares for you more than you can ever imagine. I will always know that things are moving in the right direction when my compass is pointing in the direction of peace and joy!  My heart is content in the presence of my wonderful counselor and savior. Aren’t you so grateful that the creator of the universe wants to spend time with you, wow! It is unfathomable!

Scripture References:

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." - 2 Chronicles 15:2

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. - Proverbs 18:21

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• #1 Comment from jesuslovelettersEntry Author 
  1/29/08 10:55 AM | Permalink

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