Encouragement for Today - May 3, 2007

May 3, 2007

ALL Your Heart

By Melissa Taylor

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Devotion:

I was feeling unsettled. Anxiety and panic had returned. Why? I thought I conquered those feelings a few years ago. My life right now is great…on the outside.

Recently, I had lost 25 pounds. I deserved it, too. My workouts and commitment to healthy living have come first. My husband and I are carving out time to date again. My kids, too, are a blessing, and I have amazing friendships. My job is working out better than ever now that I’m able to work from home. So Lord, what’s up? The outside of my life is close to perfect. What’s wrong with the inside?

Even though it appeared as if I had it all together, inside I was slipping back into my old thought patterns. Outside, I was in a smaller dress size, but inside I was comparing myself to others and falling short. Outside, my marriage, kids, friendships, and job looked really good, but inside I was struggling with handling a balanced life. Outside, my life was one desired by others, but if people really knew......I was told my daughter is not up to par academically; my 9- year old son has disabilities that require extra time and devotion from me; my husband is having trouble sleeping; I’ve missed my past two writing deadlines;, my house is a mess; and my family has to pull clean clothes out of the laundry basket because I haven’t had time to fold them! What is wrong with me?

While driving to a speaking engagement about two hours from my home, the panic inside me rose to an all time high. I began crying to God. Help me. I need You. Please show me what’s wrong with me. And He did. I began recalling verses from the Bible that were special to me, the first being Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart….” Oh my, I thought. I realized that I hadn’t trusted Him with ALL my heart, just part of it. I’d been relying on me mostly. There’s no security in that.

The next verse that came to mind was Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek and me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart.” There was that ALL word again. I had not been seeking Him with ALL my heart; in fact, I hadn’t really been seeking Him at ALL. The verses kept coming on that drive to Jamestown. And with these truths, these treasures from God’s Word, panic left and peace returned.

That’s what God’s Word does. It restores peace and mends a wounded heart. It’s easy to see how panic, self-doubt, and insecurity had set in. How could they not? I’d been relying on my own strength.

Talking to the Lord and confessing my lack of trust was like a release for me. The weight had lifted; I could breathe again. I turned my fears over to the only One who could take care of them. I committed to a change that day and a schedule-overhaul that consisted of putting my time with God first, so nothing else would interfere.

Friends, God has so much to speak into our lives. But if we don’t take the time to step away from the busyness of our day and spend time alone with Him, we will not hear it. Even though my outer achievements are blessings in my life, they can never bring me peace and fulfillment. Only God and His Word can do that.

Dear Lord, You are the only one who can restore peace to my busy life. Help me to organize my days according to Your priorities and to keep my eyes focused on You and Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes

The Confident Woman, Knowing Who You Are in Christ by Anabel Gilham

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps: 

Take the time to examine your priorities. Are you approaching life from God’s perspective? Write your life priorities down on a piece of paper and compare them to the way God would want to order them. Make changes if needed and trust Him with ALL your heart.

Reflections: 

Do you trust God with ALL your heart?

What change could you make today to bring more peace and balance to your life?

Power Verses:

Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV) 

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org