Jesus Calling

During the past few weeks I've been thinking I needed a new devotional.  So yesterday, as I was running errands nearby Grand Book and Bible, my favorite local Christian Bookstore, I decided the time to get it was now.  I knew what I wanted.  I've bought a few copies as gifts before.  This time I would get one for my own use.  I grabbed a beautiful, pink leather copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and brought it home.

This morning, I opened it to the June 11th page, and this is what it said:

Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.  Do not let fear dissipate your energy.  Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song.  The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy.  Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts.  Do not despise this weakness in yourself since I am using it to draw you closer to Me.  Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort.  You are not alone in this struggle for your mind.  My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving.  Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.  Isaiah 12: 2; Romans 8: 6

When I first read it I had to pause and just be still...once again, God had led me to something that spoke directly to me in terms that I could clearly understand.  I read it again a couple of times and I knew I had to share it.  I knew the exercise of typing the words, alone, would be an exercise in trust as it would help me engrave them in my soul.

I can't live by what I feel, but by the Word that He reveals...as Casting Crown's song "East to West" says.  I can't live by what I feel or hear or see...I must live by faith (2 Corinthians 5: 7).  I must be quiet and listen to His revelation.  And at the same time, I need to change my perspective.  Instead of being trapped in a vicious cycle in which my anxiety creates more anxiety...I need to look at it from a different point of view to see that my anxiety could be the vehicle that moves me closer to Christ. That way, I would be able to break the cycle as I see my fear and neediness as the thing that God can use to precisely free me from fear itself.  As my need for Him increases and I hang on to Him tighter, I begin to listen to Him more clearly and He begins to break my chains.

Thank You, Lord, for pointing me to the source of Your wisdom and for always keeping me wrapped around Your loving arms...