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“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

It’s Thursday night and you could hear a pin drop at my friend’s house. Stopping by to leave some cookies, I found her children studying for the dreaded Friday tests. While I was looking forward to my last day at work that week, these children were dreading the “big test” day. As I deposited my cookies and left, I whispered a prayer – “Father, help them remember the things they have learned and allow them to rest knowing You are there to help them.”

A simple prayer that moments later captivated my attention. While I wasn’t facing a “big test” on Friday, I was facing some major challenges. And just as these children were studying and preparing, God had been preparing and beckoning me to His Word in preparation for another “big test” in my life. The only problem – my focus was locked in on the dread of the outcome rather than on my Rescuer. Encouraging scripture would fill my mind one minute, and then within seconds overwhelming thoughts would drown them out. How could I get so lost in an imagination captivated with runaway endings versus being mesmerized by His peace? So easy to do when we entertain tomorrow instead of trusting God for today. A deep trap we often fall into when we want answers, solutions and fixes now – proven ways to create doubt, fear and worry.

Desperately waging this battle, I cried, “Father help me remember the things you have taught me. Bring Your words to my mind. Fill me with Your encouragement. Help me to trust You and leave tomorrow for tomorrow.”

As I whirled those thoughts back onto my God and His awesome faithfulness, I found my spirit lift as I rested in His presence. And as I continued this practice, God captivated my attention with His peace as my mind stayed focused on Him.

“Father, just the thought of You rescues my life from swirling anxious moments. How blessed we are to rest in Your presence!”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life