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"Hello" and "Thank You" for subscribing to our e-newsletter!
As I write this greeting, the rain is falling, the wind is blowing, and the weather people are predicting yet another week of rain and cold. When I reflect back, I can't remember a spring that was as cold and dreary as this one; it seems that every weekend since late March has been filled with rain, or snow, or both! Quite frankly, it's easy to get a bit depressed since the weather impacts our business so directly.
Fortunately, the Son (Jesus Christ) is always shining regardless of our circumstances! Since I have put my trust in Him, my fears about finances have gradually gotten less consuming and I have found freedom and joy in the midst of trying times. Lately, I have been reflecting on such a simple and yet so profound a verse, Philippians 4:6-7, which says: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I have noted some aspects of the verse that I find extremely simple and yet very helpful:
- Pray-God says we should pray in all circumstances...I think this is like an ongoing conversation that never ends; we communicate with God in every moment, good and bad, sharing with Him our thoughts, emotions, fears, pleasures and everything else.
- Give Thanks-when I reflect on all God has blessed me with, regardless of how hard the momentary struggle may be, focusing on the good helps me to more effectively process the hard stuff and put it in proper context. A spirit of thankfulness to God is like salve on a wound, it brings quick relief!
- Ask-God wants me to ask Him for help when I need it! He delights in helping and He wants me to rely on Him in every detail of my life.
- Don't be Anxious-this really means "trust God" because He is able, He has promised to take care of us, and He cares enough to give His very life for us!
- Peace-simply stated, Prayer + Thankfulness + Reliance + Trust = Peace. When I apply God's Word to my heart, He does indeed provide a peace that is unexplainable. A peace to endure hardship, a peace to restrain from sin, a peace that transforms our hearts and minds and provides joy regardless of the chaos around us.
So, if it's raining on you today, whether through loss, hardship, broken relationship, sickness, financial stress, or whatever else, may you reflect upon God and let Him Reign over it all! By the way, He already does, so go ahead and trust Him and His Word, you will be surprised by the peace that envelopes you, He promises!!!
Sincerely,
Mark Halla
Steward
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