Verse of the Day - 1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

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(NOTE: I am sick today with a bad cold, so my brain and body aren't functioning too well. When today's VOTD popped up, I was pretty sure I'd written on this, and I was right -- it's a very familiar verse. So today's devotion is a repeat from January 13, 2008 -- I hope you don't mind the reread. I didn't remember what I'd written and it sounded fresh. Maybe it will sound fresh to you and be an encouragement with whatever worries you face today. God bless you this day... love, joelene)

In traditional circumstances, children are cared for by their parents. The moms and dads feed and clothe them, counsel them in doing the right thing, and teach whatever faith is practiced in the home. The kids learn responsibility by having chores, and take on more as they get older, with the intent of teaching them how to be on their own -- for a time when they won't be supported by their parents. The baby bird does fly away at some point to make its own nest, leaving the mama and papa bird with an empty nest.

We're raised with the concept that one day we will carry our own weight, fully responsible for ourselves and being our own boss. But with that mindset can come some heavy stresses, if we think we can't or shouldn't rely on others. Pluck and pride can get in the way of peace and contentment when we think we must carry life on just our own two little shoulders.

But God says that from an emotional and mental standpoint, He's not kicking us out of the nest! He doesn't want us to have to shoulder the world by ourselves. Those who try are usually crushed under its weight, because we were never meant to be our own boss, spiritually speaking. We were always meant to be under God's roof. He wants to be our Papa. And we need Him to be, because life is hard, and we can't bear it on our own.

God knows what's been on your mind, what's keeping you awake, what makes you cranky and nervous and depressed. Don't try to go this alone, please. Talk to Him. Pour out all of the stuff that's filling up your head and making your brain hurt...and making your heart hurt. Let it go...

The good thing about turning your worries and anxiety over to God is that He can handle it. Completely. He's God, remember? Or did you forget that He single-handedly created the universe, with all it's mind-boggling intricacies? He breathes and miracles happen...seas are parted, water becomes wine, sins are forgiven. He is more than capable of lifting your worries and giving you peace.

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

[Chorus:]
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the stormAnd other times He calms His child...

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place.
~ Sometimes He Calms The Storm, by Scott Krippayne

Love,
Joelene