“Begin your day in the calm trust that God is at work in everything.” ~Anne Ortlund
Recently I heard someone say: “Most addiction is born out of a lack of coping skills…”
They mentioned addictions like drugs and alcohol but also food, anger and worry.
I started adulthood with almost no coping skills but over the years God has gently taught me how to navigate life with a bit more grace.
I find that my most trusted go-to coping skill is the one above…for every challenge I face, big or small, if I come back to this: “God is at work in everything”, I feel myself coming down a notch.
Deliberately turning my focus from the issue at hand to my starting-point…
God is at work in everything…
stops or at least slows my spiral into panic and stress.
*****
I may not like it, I may not understand, I may be hurting…but I can be certain He’s at work in everything.
*****
What is it that sends you over the edge? Relationships? Finances? Time? Aging? Your children? Politics? Health? Loneliness?
God is at work in everything…
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Robin.
A wonderful thought to start the day. And so well said. Thanks! Any of the things you listed can send me over the edge. My tendency is to bury my head. My challenge is to acknowledge that God is in control- not a denial of what’s happening, but a reality that I can walk in with open eyes and inner peace.
Sometimes relationships that there doesn’t seem to be movement to look at a life issue and just sit. Moving on is hard, but staying can be worse. Rose
.-= rose´s last blog ..IS THIS SPRING =-.
I’m working hard at changing, but what rises up in me is an attitude of, “It it’s to be, it’s up to me.” I love your sentence that God is in control of everything. Sure puts worry in its place!
I would have to say that in this you and I are birds of a feather. This whole thought has held me up in/during more than can even think. Thanks for the honesty Robin. Love and hugs to you this weekend.
.-= bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Did You Say Wait =-.
Beautiful reflection to start the day with… what sends me over? You name it, just about anything can conspire against me, and if its a combo of things, yikes. Such an important reminder that God is at work in everything… I got a huge lesson in that the other night
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Meeting the newest Westra- part I =-.
Thanks Robin! Great reminder!! He has already proven this to be true this morning! He is faithful!
You are so right! I don’t know how those who don’t know this cope and get along day to day! God is awesome! Jackie
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Good News and BAD News! =-.
Oh Robin, how do you do it? How do you know what to write that is EXACTLY what I need to hear at this moment!!?? I have been trying to remember this and tell myself exactly this for several weeks now. My son is leaving on the truck as I write this. But I know that God is with him on this new journey. I know He will watch over him and guide him. What sends me over the edge???? Alot, but I try to come back down by trusting that God IS at work in everything. Thanks so much, I really needed this today! YOU are a blessing to me, God speaks through you to me. God blesss you my friend!!!!! XO, Pinky
Firstly,
Ray Ortlund was the pastor of my church when I was growing up. I knew this gentle man that left a legacy of God working that has made me who I am.
Secondly, I don’t purposefully keep it a secret but it’s never quite the time to bring it up. Two years ago, on the day that we moved to our new house, my youngest son was diagnosed with High functioning Autism. My other two (and myself) were quick to follow in the next year with diagnoses of Asperger’s Syndrome – although, I think that most people just think that I’m a little quirky and would never suspect what’s going on inside. It has been struggle that has drained me completely. I’ve just been hanging on and working against everything but not really refilling in prayer and hidden time in God. Now, enter blogging….
The rest you put right into words. God’s still got me. I’m getting better but, boy, did you hit the nail RIGHT on the head!!!
Love, Katy Noelle
.-= Katy Noelle´s last blog ..A Mini Getaway =-.
Love this!
God bless you for inspiring me in so many ways. My motto is “There are no accidents and God is always there to show us the way.”
This is beautiful – and a very neccessary reminder for me today! Thanks.
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