Life and business seem to have ebbs and flows. I don’t know about you, but there definitely seem to be times when everything works like clockwork. Then there are times when obstacles and problems seem to pop up at every turn. Lately, I’ve witnessed storms brewing in the lives and work of my co-workers and associates that have my prayer list turning into a book. From computer malfunctions to family health concerns, it’s been difficult to see so many people who are close to me deal with so much.
When upsets come my way, it’s so tempting to give into old habits – like complaining about it to anyone who will listen. And I still go there now and then (albeit to fewer people), but I’m grateful that through my study of leaders in the Bible like Daniel and Nehemiah, I more frequently put my trust in God. I know that God is greater than my circumstances, that He can use all circumstances of my life and turn them around for my good, and that He has given me His peace that passes all understanding.
When we simply trust that God is working, He opens the flood gates for peace … and solutions that are often greater than we could have imagined.
The Bible instructs us not to fear, fret or have anxiety around 365 times throughout Scripture. Why? We need to understand:
- Fear is not of God. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear – the problem arises when we get lost in it. Psalm 37:8
- Fear separates us from God. Focusing on what we fear causes us to take our eyes off the One who can save us.Matthew 14:30
- Trusting God opens the door for blessings. When we go to God in prayer about anything and everything, we can count on the fact that He is working on our problem (or problems). Matthew 7:7
- Putting trust in God is the ultimate stress-management tool. Trust allows us to tap into His peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4:7
If Daniel’s friends can get through an actual fiery furnace without smelling like smoke and Daniel can spend the night in a den of hungry lions without a single scratch, we ought to be able to turn our concerns over to the King of Creation, our Almighty Father God – work-related or otherwise.
After all …
” … the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him …”
– 2 Chronicles 16:9
