I actually started by posting this on Facebook as status update and then decided to copy and paste it into my blog also, because as usual, once I started writing, I got inspired and ideas and encouragement started flowing to me.
So as I was making this post I thought, “Hmmm, what do I title this post?” Holiday…Stress…Drama? Then I remembered a moment this last week when I heard a song pop into my head. It was the song by Mary J. Blige, “No More Drama”. This song had just popped into my head this week while I was cooking or cleaning in the kitchen. I probably sang the 1 verse I remembered and promptly forgot all about it.
But this song reminds me that God wants me to walk in His Peace, not a bunch of drama. And not just during the holidays, All The Days. But I have in the past tended toward drama during Thanksgiving and Christmas especially- so in the past I would dread their approach. This year I really called out to God to heal me of this vicious cycle. Truly, God is moving on my behalf and I’m so thankful for His Presence!
Here’s what I posted on my social media:
This last week I started to think about something negative my husband and children were doing that I didn’t approve of. I thought, “this troubles me, what will come of this?” Immediately I heard God say, “Let Your Heart Not Be Troubled!”
I started to protest and say in my mind, “but how can I not be troubled God? This is troubling. The implications are bad.”
He said, “Do you believe My Words?”
So I just took that trouble and said, “Ok God.”
I don’t know how, but I just turned off the “Troubled Thoughts” in faith. I can’t remember if I said or did any more. But I know I just decided that this particular issue wasn’t something I was supposed to be unhappy about.
I’ll tell you what. This Thanksgiving has been especially peaceful. I actually felt guilty that I wasn’t working hard enough or was stressed out enough. In the past the holidays have always been a time of stress and drama.
I’m pregnant with my 8th child right now, and in my 3rd trimester. So I need to put these Words up on the wall for myself to see everyday. “Let Your Heart Not Be Troubled.”John 14:1
“Let Your Heart Not Be Troubled” John 14:1
This verse has been echoing in my heart and soul this last week.
What do you think?
Do you tend to have a troubled heart during the holidays?
I’d seriously love to hear ideas on how others deal with this issue especially during the holidays. Let me know if you have any suggestions and I’ll update this post or create a new one or a Part 2. I’m commited this year to what God is telling me about this.
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You for Your Word teaching me. Father, Thank You for Your Voice speaking to my heart. Holy Spirit, Thank You for Comforting me. Help me to let my heart not be troubled and to walk in and live in Your Holy Spirit. Not just during the Holidays, but ALL The Days. If You say I can do it, then with Your help I can do it. Give me wisdom to know how to avoid the snares of the enemy, and how to deal with every situation. Holy Spirit, help me to Love everyone I encounter, and may Joy fill my heart and home. Thank You Father God. In Jesus’s Mighty Name, Amen!