SLEEPLESS NIGHT

Have you ever had one of the nights where you just tossed and turned? Couldn't turn off the brain? For me, nights like that is when my mind starts to race and ANXIETY sets in which then sometimes leads to FEAR (False Events Appearing Real!). Last night was one of those nights.
Concern for our Director of Maintenance who is battling leukemia that has now turned into non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Concerns about several staff that are facing tough times in their lives. Concerns about my growing "to-do" list and all that needs to be done before going to Bermuda at the end of next week. And the list goes on and on . . .

Sometime during the night, the Lord reminded me -- "talk to ME about these things."

This morning when I got up for my quiet time, I opened STREAMS IN THE DESERT, and here are the words that refreshed my soul this morning: "Do not be anxious about anything." (Philippians:6)

"Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions, and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His 'one and only Son,' and whose complete joy and delight is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His Word, which says, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.'

IN EVERYTHING -- not simply when our house is on fire or when our beloved spouse and children are gravely ill, but even in the SMALLEST matters of life. We are to take EVERYTHING to God -- little things, very little things, even what the world calls TRIVIAL things. Yes, we are to take EVERYTHING, living all day long in holy fellowship with our
Heavenly Father and our precious Lord Jesus. We should develop something of a spiritual instinct causing us to immediately turn to God when a concern keeps us awake at night. During those sleepless nights, we should speak to Him, bringing our various concerns before Him, no matter how small they may be. Also speak to the Lord about any trail you are facing or any difficulties you may have in your family or professional life.

BY PRAYER AND PETITION -- earnestly, pleading persevering and enduring, and waiting, waiting, waiting on God. WITH THANKSGIVING -- always laying a good foundation. Even if we have NO possessions, there is one thing for which we can always be thankful -- THAT HE HAS SAVED US FROM HELL! We can also give thanks that He has given us His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, and the most precious gift of all -- HIS SON! Therefore when we consider all this, we have abundant reasons for thanksgiving.

AND THE PEACE OF GOD WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS -- This is such a wonderful, genuine, and precious blessing that to truly know it, you must experience it, for it 'TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING . . . Search your heart several times a day, and if you find something that is disturbing your peace, remember to take the proper steps to restore the calm." from STREAMS IN THE DESERT -- published by Zondervan.