“We’re going to Florida! We’re going to Florida!” chanted Billy, Ginger & Nell bouncing up and down. Mom smiled, “We’ve got a long drive ahead. Why don’t you play with your toys.”
After an hour, their enthusiasm waned. “I’m bored,” whined Nell. Billy piped up, “Yeah, are we there yet?” Dad shook his head, “Not by a long shot buddy.”
Exuberantly mom clapped her hands, “I know! Let’s play a game! Who can count the most red cars in 2 minutes? Ready? Go!” “There’s one!” shouted Ginger. “I see two in that parking lot!” squealed Nell. Billy pouted, “Hey, no fair, I didn’t see those!” At the end of 2 minutes, mom announced, “Times up! Nell wins with 6 cars, but Ginger and Billy were so close. You both got 5! What shall we play next?”
ARE WE THERE YET?
Do you remember those long car rides as a child? Even when they were only 3 or 4 hours, to us they seemed like days. Our parents would point out the scenery, play car games or describe fun things at our destination to distract us from the never-ending question, “Are we there yet?”
Anxious, we would squirm, get frustrated and irritate anyone else in the car, especially siblings. Although our parents did things simply to distract us, they were also teaching us to change our focus so that we wouldn’t be anxious.
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Oxford dictionary defines anxiety as, “A feeling of worry, nervousness or unease typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”
ANXIOUS?
THERE’S A SOLUTION!
Being couped up in the car and not knowing what to expect at their destination, the kids were anxious. What’s a parent to do? Do they say, “Don’t be anxious?” Ha! Try telling that to a family stuck in the car together for 4 hours! It’s easier said than done. No, Billy, Ginger & Nell’s parents had a better solution. Change their focus!
HOW ABOUT US?
Don’t we have questions about our future or problems that need solutions? When we don’t get answers right away, especially to our prayers, we often deal with anxiety. Just like kids in a car, from our perspective, the answer is taking too long to arrive. What can we do when we are anxious?
God has a solution! Change our focus!
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 understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:6-7
Rather than focus on our unknown future or problems, He’s telling us put them in His lap! What a relief! He’s willing and able to take them off our hands! Who better to do that than God who has all the answers and can do the impossible!
For with God nothing will be impossible,
Luke 1:37
Knowing that He can do anything, He’s asking us in faith to change our focus. Because we’ve left things in God’s lap, we can focus on His victory by giving thanks for His answer before we see it. When we take that step of faith to thank Him, Jesus will envelop our hearts and minds in peace.
WHAT IF THE ANXIETY POPS BACK UP?
We give it back to God all over again. It’s not like a long car ride with anxious kids where it’s a toss-up to see whose temper flares first. With God it’s no toss-up. He patiently receives our anxieties over and over again as we travel to reach the destination He has for our life.
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever,
Psalm 138:8a ESV
Why?
Because God loves us just like our parents who kept driving in spite of our behavior. They knew when the family would arrive at their destination and God knows when our prayers will be answered. We may not be interested in counting red cars on the journey, but we may want to count the blessings!
What surprising blessings await us on our journey?
God’s way is perfect and He has the perfect answer for the perfect time.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
IN FAITH
GIVE THANKS FOR GOD’S VICORY
&
TRADE OUR ANXIETY
FOR PEACE.
REFLECTION
Is there something you are anxious about? Can you try God’s solution?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Philippians 4:6-7 and say it aloud, help me to place my problem in Your lap. Give me strength and grow my faith to stay focused on Jesus and the victory You will bring. In Jesus name. Amen.
IN FAITH FOCUS ON GOD’S VICTORY
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
Photo children, national library of Wales
Photo cat, wdkunze
Photo car, real_jansen
