Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
Last week, something happened that was unexpected and hit me like a ton of bricks. When I saw the “For Sale” sign in front of the land that borders our property, my heart sank. Immediately, dread and anxiety started to well up in my soul. I quickly called my husband, and then I called my mom. I was in a state of panic and just needed someone to tell me it was going to be okay. Looking back, this is where I should have asked for God’s help, but I let my emotions take the reigns at that moment, and I suffered because of it. Over the next few hours, I found myself grieving over something that was never mine in the first place. We knew the property was bound to sell sooner or later, but for whatever reason it shook me to the core that day. I have always considered my home a sanctuary. It is a place of safety, protection and yes, a place where I can worship and praise my Creator. Our house sits back in a perfect little nook in between nursery trees and farmland. The views are absolutely stunning as the seasons come and go. There is an abundance of nature and the serenity that this property offers soothes my soul. So the idea that things could change around us, just crushed every ounce of my being. I know to some, it sounds so petty to be so upset about this situation, but it was more about what it revealed to my heart. And there lies the deeper issue……
As I started praying, I asked for God’s help in processing this mountain of fear that overshadowed my thinking. God impressed on my heart several different perspectives that helped usher in clarity and peace.
As much as I love the nature we are blessed with out here, God reminded me that people are his creation too. I am not going to lie, that one made me a little uncomfortable and when I felt that being impressed on my heart, the word “Ouch” was whispered under my breath. This thought caused me to examine my heart a little deeper. Maybe I should be more focused on the souls of those in my community, and living a life in a way that points them to Jesus. Perhaps I needed to heed the call a little deeper when he told us to “Love thy neighbor”.
God reminded me that no matter what happens to this land, it doesn’t take away my access to him. This was one of those moments when the light bulb went off in my little mind and it had a significant impact on me. The anxiety I had was brought on by the fear of losing my peace and closeness with God. You see, when I venture outside, I often slip into a state of wonder at his creation and it reminds me of his presence in my life. It brings about a much needed calmness to this occasionally, weary soul. He gently reminded me, that he is everywhere and as a child of God, he lives in me. I don’t need the beauty of his creation surrounding me to feel his presence, those are just extra benefits that he wants me to enjoy. When I got saved, I got 24/7 access to him and he has never left me. And as much as I love my home, the reality is, I am just passing thru. It is temporary, and not my final destination. I have a home in heaven waiting for me, one so beautiful that I cannot begin to comprehend how grand and glorious it will be.
I learned last week, that if I am not careful, I will put my hope and confidence in things that are worldly and undeserving. True joy and lasting peace cannot be found in places, things, or even people. God is the only one who can offer us those. It is in those worrisome moments, that if we would learn to lean on God and trust his word, then we can receive the peace that passes all understanding. As we celebrate Easter this coming weekend, I pray that you know God as your Savior. Our lives were never meant to be our own, for they were paid for by the blood of Jesus. He gave his life and arose on the third day so that we could live and live abundantly. Don’t take that for granted. We all have a home waiting for us in eternity, the question is “Where is yours going to be?”.
Keep moving forward,
Hayley W
Unpolished & Imperfect 