Let Go of the Fret

Never watch the news before breakfast.

It ruins your appetite and will give you a knot in your stomach the size of a cantaloupe.  For me, it gets me fretting and worrying about where this world is headed, what kind of future my kids will have 20 years from now and how much longer can we survive as a country as we know it.  

And that's just a start.

So before I've even had my cup of tea and my brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal, my day is in turmoil and I am feeling a great amount of distress.  Thankfully, today l made time for my 'daily bread' and it soothed my sour stomach like nothing else could.  Here is what it served today:

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)

Feeling a little better but there was more:

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging...Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress....Be still, and know that I am God.  (Psalm 46 2-3, 6-7,10)

I can hear Him this morning "Be still...do not fret...do not fear...the Lord Almighty is with you...be still."  His words, soothing me, comforting me, calming me...

A couple of years ago a friend shared a word study she had done on Psalm 46:10.  She said that in the original language the words 'be still' meant 'let go'.  I'll say that again:  the words 'be still' mean 'LET GO'.  As in let go of the fear, let go of the worries, let go of the doubts, just let go....

How many things do I hang on to and think about over and over until I am all worked up?  How many times have I laid in bed at night stressing out about some issue that in the end, really wasn't that important after all? How many times have I obsessed about a circumstance until it took over my day, my attitude...my hope?

I needed to be reminded this morning that I am not in control. 

And my fretting and worrying will not change one thing.  

(Except to give me a sour stomach and a bad attitude.  What a great way to start the day, huh?)

I needed to be reminded that though "the mountains may fall, the waters roar and foam and the nations are in an uproar," I can (and should)

Be. Still.

Let. It. Go.

And know that He is in control. 

Ahhh...So. Much. Better.  

(Anyone up for some breakfast?)

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What things do you need to let go of today?

I had something totally different planned for my Weekly Wonder but then I came across something that totally got my attention.  I mean, I literally stopped what I was doing and said outloud, "Wow."

It all started when I purchased these canning jars at my local Walmart.

 

Oh, you're impressed.  I can tell.

Serously.  Hang in there. It gets better...I promise.

My Little Treasures

I went to a craft show with some friends a couple of months ago.  I wasn't convinced I would find anything I had to bring home with me but I was definitely excited to just get out with 'the girls'.

So off we went. 

There was SO much to look at but nothing really impressed me until I came across some rocks.

Yes, I was impressed by rocks.  

In fact, I fell in LOVE with these rocks.  

They were everything I had ever dreamed of and everything I could ever want.  

They captured my heart the moment I laid eyes on them and would not let go.

They expressed a part of me that I just cannot hide. 

In fact, I think they represent the BEST parts of me in every way.

I. Had. To. Have. Them.

So what is so special about some ordinary old rocks?

Let me show you.

See?  I told you.  Aren't they beautiful?

Simply. Precious.

And everything that really, really matters...

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  (Matthew 6:21)

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Your turn: What little things in your daily life remind you of your true treasures?