Sweet Relief!

I love the message of this song with Amy Grant and James Taylor. That we don't have to try so hard. So many times, I really miss the boat on this one. I carry the world on my shoulders. Worrying about every detail of my life as I struggle to stay in control. How futile. So many things are outside of our control, yet we try to manage them anyway.

I have so many friends I pray for. They are living lives so much more difficult than mine. One has a daughter with special needs I do not even understand. She went to the hospital by ambulance last night, yet her mom was thanking God on Facebook today that she went last night and not today in the horrible snowstorm. This friend of mine is always grateful for something. Her wonderful daughter has the same triumphant spirit. She is about to graduate college. They are living lives filled with courage. They are always giving and thinking of others. Living with faith and humor. Writing and praying for our soldiers overseas. Extraordinary people. I admire their family so much.

I have another friend whose husband has cancer. She asked me to pray for her tonight. I am praying so hard. This is the first time she's asked in the many, many months of his illness. I know she is really going through it. Really having a hard time. Yet, she admires me. I wonder how I can help. I know prayer is the most and best thing I can do...and be there when she wants to talk.

Don't try so hard. This song struck home to me tonight. I know I try in my own strength much, much to often and don't turn my cares over to my Creator. I am doing so tonight. So I can help others. So I can forget about myself and my own concerns. My issues with worry about God's provision for our family. He always provides. The Bible says every hair on our head is numbered. He cares for us so deeply. Like the lilies of the field. He clothes them in splendor. He knows every sparrow's need for food. How much more does he know we have need for sustenance? Gas and groceries have gone up, yes, but not higher than the ability of our Mighty God to provide for us!

I think working on commission is a great way to trust the Creator for your daily bread! :) Having one's own business teaches you a lot about trusting and believing. It's a good exercise of faith. Struggling against the way the Lord provides is not good for the soul. Struggling against our circumstances generally isn't. Rolling with them works far better.

All of this came to mind as I began to write after listening to this song. I hope you get blessed and some peaceful feelings from it too. Sleep well dear friends. I know I will after this lullaby!