Philippians 4: 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I saw a poster that read, “I can only help one person at a time. Today is not your day! And tomorrow doesn’t look good for you either!”  

Can we all relate as Christmas season approaches? Somedays, I’m the one muttering these poster-words under my breath at those pulling at me so hard that I feel like a Stretch Armstrong. (And if you don’t know what that is, ask someone who birthed a son in the early 80’s.) Other days, I’m on the receiving end of this statement, desperately needing assistance and finding it impossible to obtain.

Whether it’s tackling a mountain of laundry, making another emergency grocery store run, or opening the door to unexpected house guests, our to-do list stretches endlessly before us. About the time we feel caught up, the finish line plunges ahead in the distance and off we go chasing it, feeling as if we are the coyote in the never winning pursuit of the roadrunner.

I can envision my Heavenly Father looking down on me and shaking his head with a sigh saying, Have you forgotten my Word, child? I don’t want you to stress over this. Give it to Me and get ready for Me, because I will turn your stress into peace. Your precious heart and mind can be stilled by My power. Then, you can think about the good things I have given you, the virtuous and pure things in life, because I am the God of Peace (paraphrased from Philippians 4:6-8).

So, perhaps while folding that mountain of laundry, instead of fuming, we can thank God for the loved ones in our lives. While shopping the aisles of the grocery store, instead of stressing, we can ask God to bless each passing shopper with His peace. And when unexpected guests arrive, instead of panicking, we can greet them with open arms, understanding we may be entertaining angels unaware. (Then quickly clear a path to the guest room.)

Dear Father, I am grateful that my current situation is not my final destination, and that what is weighing me down is actually not even mine to carry. The burden is yours. Help our hearts and minds get rid of all anxiousness, and in its place find Your peace.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane