Make this week a great one!

From a natural point of view, the week ahead has the potential for stress.  As I organized my calendar this morning, I could feel the grip of tension.  And, it is only Monday morning! I opened my Bible and went to a passage that I know and understand.  Despite the familarity, I sometimes forget the wisdom that the Spirit inspired in these words.  They were like a slap in the face, a rebuke for my worry. At the same time they were like a bracing arm around my shoulders, assuring me of His care.

"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 Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV)

Let’s take it apart today.

First up, determine where you will go to find joy.  Will you look for it in success, in a meal of fine food, or through escape?  The Word tells us to celebrate our relationship with the Lord!  Remind yourself, “I am God’s kid! He’s a good God.”  Look up, past the problems, beyond the disappointment, higher – and sing a song that extols the wonder of our God.

Second, tame that urge to take control.  Be gentle, the Bible says.  Another version tells us to be “moderate.”  Conventional wisdom is that we need to ‘kick butts, power up, make things happen’ when faced with challenges.  I confess to going in that direction too often, trying to force solutions, get action, find compliance.  When that happens, Jerry replaces Jesus and results are never for His glory.  Sure, I can get things, but at what cost to others and to His kingdom?

Third, let prayer take over for worry.  My concerns for this week are real, not imagined.  In the meetings I face we will wrestle with real dollars, not Monopoly money. The lives effected by our choices are real people, not characters in a story.  And, God knows that!   He invites me (and you, too) to bring those things to Him.  Will He miraculously make more money appear in the budget? Probably not, but He will give wisdom, He will guide. Best of all, He promises that if we will pray He will  steady our minds and hearts with a gift of peace that guards us from the fear that will rob us of rest.

Fourth, be positive.  Yes, the Holy Spirit tells us to choose to expect better things, to look for the best, and to seek out the excellent.  Does this mean we cannot be honest in our evaluations? Not at all.  Are we forbidden from speaking truthfully about gaps and flaws? No.   Even then, we can destroy or build. We can help or hinder. We can encourage shared success.

So, what kind of week will you have?  Life has troubles!  We live in a world where sin and evil oppose the good of God, all the time.  Sickness will come. Heartbreak is inevitable. Crops will fail, businesses will take the hit of down economies. Temptation will roar from the shadows of your mind. Satan will prowl on the perimeter, looking for an opening to attack.  But, in Him we are ‘more than conquerors.’

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." (Philippians 4:4-9, The Message)

Let’s make it a good week, living for His glory, walking in His Presence.