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Welcome to Heartsprings, where I share what springs forth from my heart for God and His people. I pray that what you find here blesses you and draws you nearer to your Heavenly Father who loves you like no other.

In His love,
Brenda :-)

Sunday, February 1, 2015

“I say to you, do not worry about your life . . . .” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing—our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

I'm reminded of the verse, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ NASB)  As practical human beings, this can be a difficult attitude to maintain.  I think men especially, have a hard time not focusing on how they're going to live.  It's their job in life and even more so those men who have families to take care of.  If God's Word is our standard, though, and the guideline by which we live, then we must do our best to fully rely on God.  We must learn to put our relationship with Him first, above all else.  This is how we live life victoriously, above our circumstances.  Like Peter, who walked on the water as long as he kept his focus on Jesus.  As soon as he shifted his focus to his circumstances, he began to sink.  Isn't that how it feels when we focus on the circumstances?  I know that I can easily feel overwhelmed and like I'm drowning when I think of nothing but my circumstances.  Only when I look to God - in worship, in prayer, in His Word - do I begin to feel lighter and lifted up.  This world is only getting scarier.  I can choose to focus on the scariness and become terrified, even frozen with fear, or I can focus on my relationship with Christ and be at peace.  Christ never changes, His economy never falters, and He has a plan for this world and for me.  All of the craziness is under His control and He is going to use it for good.  I can't see how it all fits together, but He can, and He loves me and is trustworthy.  There is so much freedom in keeping my eyes on Christ and being able to walk above the circumstances - keeping my head above the water.