Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 Jesus Christ.
I have been very busy these past two weeks, and so much so these past few days that I have not had my quiet time. But, in the midst of this chaos, there is this peace inside of me and I have been anticipating writing about it. Because, these days my life reads like this scripture, and I am living in blessings and living a rich life. In every aspect of my life, I feel touched by God. I know he is with me in everything, I know his presence provides peace in my chaotic lifestyle.
I have so many praises, and even though I relive them in my mind every day, to me, I need to write them to complete them.
For instance last week, I had to drive to San Antonio, following my husband in my car. I had the kids with me, which can be distracting and stressful, but add to it that I was driving alone, in the drivers seat, about 250 miles, and that would produce such anxiety, formerly, in my life. I was in complete peace. I had anxiety, but on the fringes of my mind, not completely controlling me, like before. Every time I felt it I prayed, and the peace magnified. It has been 17+ years since I have driven by myself, more than 10 miles away from my hometown. I was able to look out the window, and look at the landscape, and enjoy the beautiful Texas sky, and just turn up the music, and bask in the peace. I sang in worship, because I felt so overwhelmed with happiness! Amazing Grace by Jars of Clay will forever be my song of testimony about the end of my period of anxiety. I also felt truly grown up for the first time in that many years, as I have had to depend on another adult to be with me to drive anywhere out of town. How debilitating for someone who thinks of themselves as a responsible adult, to turn into a whimpering baby at the thought of doing something so simple that others do everyday. I am so thankful for the peace that has replaced it!
As I drove, I couldn’t help but think about all the places I could go and different things I could do now that I was not crippled by the anticipation of an anxiety attack. Each thought opened up a new possibility, and my mind was overwhelmed with ideas, and I was so happy!
And it adds a new dimension to my spiritual life. Before, I could not serve in the fashion that I felt I should serve, because it would require me to go to faraway places, or just to be able to be on my own in situations that I have always felt anxious about before. Now I am free to do what I want so desperately to do. We planned the mission trip to Guatemala last year, before I had discovered this newfound peace, and I was so worried about traveling so far away, to a place that is not considered thoroughly safe. And yes, I am still frightened, but it is not controlling me.
I am so at peace, and it is because I have the Holy Spirit with me every day.
At peace after 17 years
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Congratulations Free2live!
Thank you for posting your success, it is a great comfort to read because it provides hope for those of us who are still striving toward the goal of inner peace. For me, this is a somewhat new journey as I have experienced inner peace, but allowed a bad situation overcome me and steal my peace and trust away. I truly believe the Lord put this program in my path to help me regain that peace and trust by using the tools that it provides along with a lot of prayer. May God continue to rain blessings upon you and your family.
kittylover
Thank you for posting your success, it is a great comfort to read because it provides hope for those of us who are still striving toward the goal of inner peace. For me, this is a somewhat new journey as I have experienced inner peace, but allowed a bad situation overcome me and steal my peace and trust away. I truly believe the Lord put this program in my path to help me regain that peace and trust by using the tools that it provides along with a lot of prayer. May God continue to rain blessings upon you and your family.
kittylover
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