The Waiting

In my blog post, Personal Blessings, I shared how my husband and I have wanted to move back to Tennessee for several years, but we were hesitant to leave our youngest daughter in New Mexico. We believe that God opened the door six weeks ago for our move, when our daughter stated she was ready. Now that we’ve decided to relocate, I don’t enjoy the waiting. I want to hurry back to where the rest of our family lives so we can be together again.

We’d heard stories of offers accepted within ten days when we put our house on the market here in New Mexico three weeks ago. And while the market in middle Tennessee is hot, and they list homes one day and receive an offer within two, we hoped for similar results here. But God has a different plan for us.

After I sent a text to my children in Tennessee expressing my discouragement, I realized I sent that message without forethought. I’d experienced disappointment, not discouragement. I know God is working His plan, and His timing is better than mine. Maybe the home the Lord has for us in Tennessee isn’t available yet. The best thing for me to do is wait and trust.

At the start of 2020, I selected Philippians 4:6 as my verse for the year. I’ve referred to it often.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Verse 7 states the benefit of not worrying but praying instead.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The word I selected for 2020 was “trust.” Fits in with my verse, doesn’t it? And appropriate for this year with several travel plans canceled because of COVID-19 and living life outside of any normalcy for the past seven months. Trusting God is the only way to endure these crazy times.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I find peace by seeking God’s guidance through prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about tomorrow. My focus is on Christ, and I choose to trust Him.

Disappointed, but filled with peace. That’s a good place to be and where I find myself today during the waiting.

What are you trusting and waiting for today?

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All scripture references are from the New International Version.

Photo by Anvesh Uppunuthula - Unsplash.

What is Your Word for 2020?

Last year’s New Year’s resolutions revolved around a healthier lifestyle for me. I focused on weight loss, more steps per day, increased sleep time, and stress reduction. I improved in each area but only reached my weight loss goal. I plan to continue to work on the other healthy habits in 2020.

Although stress reduction last year included laughing with friends, in last week’s blog I mentioned that my resolution for 2020 was to laugh more. I believe laughter is a great way to unwind throughout the day.

In the past month, I’ve read several blog posts encouraging readers to select a theme word or phrase as an alternative to a New Year’s resolution. Some writers also suggest a scripture verse for the year. A great idea. I’d like to share my word and verse with you.

My word is “trust.” I choose for 2020 to trust God more and the promises His Word holds for me. In Him to daily provide, guide, and protect me. To trust He will move on my behalf in His time and His way, as I wait on His will to be carried out in my life.

Why did I choose this word? According to Dictionary.com, trust means: to have confidence in; rely or depend on. Sometimes I feel that I need to be in control and try to fix things on my own, but I know that I need to rely upon God. I tend to be a worrier. But God’s Word tells me not to worry.

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) is my verse for 2020.

Don’t worry about anything; instead,
pray about everything.
Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done.

Verse 7 tells us the benefit of trusting God. You will experience God’s peace.

When I’m caught up in a frenzy, filled with anxiety, or overwhelmed with my to-do-list, family dynamics, activities, travel, relationships, or writing, peace is a welcomed blessing. God knows what I need, and His peace calms the craziness in my life. I need His peace daily, therefore, I must trust Him in all things.

What is your Word for 2020? Please share in the comments below.

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Photo by Aaron Burden - Unsplash