I love this photo… it’s one of my recent favorites. The gentle colors of the sky, the stillness of the water, and a swath of beautiful green marsh through the middle.

The scripture that comes to mind from this photo is, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬.

Stillness is one of my biggest challenges. From what I can tell, it’s a challenge for most of us. Learning to take my mind off the hamster wheel and relax has been a primary focus of my personal prayer life over the last six months.

That ability has really been tested over the last month. Last night I began to feel as though I’m making progress over some of the current hurdles. I am learning to truly trust God. Not in theory, but in practice.

I took time last night to focus my mind on the gratitude I feel for the blessed life I’ve been given. I thanked God for the incredible husband, grown children, and grandchildren He has brought into my life, and especially for the love I have for each and every one of them.

I talked to God about what is causing me pain and why. I asked Him to help me set those things down and be at peace in His presence. I read and pondered scripture. I reminded myself of all the fires He’s walked me through, and realized no fire is too big for Him walk me through.

As I did these things, I felt the trust I have in God’s love for me. I felt the faith I have in His guidance. Then I began to feel the weight of distress lift from my heart.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭2-7‬ NIV

This is a passage of scripture that I have leaned on a great deal lately. The part that always seems to trigger my ability to turn my perspective around is at the end. I do NOT want to be one who is blown and tossed about by the wind. I want to be one who is like Jesus… able to sleep in the belly of a ship, regardless of any raging storm.

I want those in my life to know firsthand that they are loved and respected. I want them to know they have a friend in me who can be trusted, without any underlying agenda. I want to maintain the gentle spirit and loving nature shown to all by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

These are my prayers.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Philippians 4:5 NIV