As I was journaling this morning I realized that stress is trying to crowd into my peaceful days again. It doesn't help that the gray days are hanging around too. They make good company for each other but not for me.
I fell asleep last night praying, trying to give it all to God. I'm still not very good at this part but I seem to get lots of practice so maybe someday I will get it figured out. Then this morning I woke up early and started journaling and decided to read the Girlfriends in God daily devotional that comes in my mailbox everyday. Guess what it was all about? You guessed it, stress and praising God during times of stress.
Here is a portion of what Mary had to say about it:
I began to understand that praise is not a feeling. Praise is a choice, a step of obedience taken without the assurance of a changed circumstance or the elimination of a trial. Praise focuses on God not the circumstances, and fixes it's gaze upon God's truth and God's character instead of the trial at hand or just ahead. That is why we can celebrate the battle before it begins. The outcome is neither our responsibility nor our goal. Praise begins and ends with faith in the very nature, personality and integrity of God...and never changes.
You can read the whole devotional here.
I may not have life all figured out or be very good at giving all my stuff to Him, but I can praise Him and thank Him for what He is doing and will do. Mary is right, it is a choice and not a feeling or emotion. I choose to praise Him today.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
3 comments:
I understand the difference here. To praise him in the storm when I don't feel like praising, but I long to get to a place where it is more than obedience, I want to be able to praise him in the storm with "feeling" that same passion as when I praise him for something good.
Does that make sense??
love you new background!
Yes, I totally understand and agree. Somedays it is easier than others.
Hi Teri,
I believe I am your newest follower. I jumped on via Mary's Blog-A Splendid Adventure. You ladies are so inspiring and could not imagine how much your goal of art as a ministry just confirms what I have believed for many years. And yes...praising Him simply for His unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness...which is more than I could even ask for..
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