Terri's Wellspring

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.  But his father said to the servants, Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.  St. Luke 15 20-24

At different junctures in my life, I have found myself in places or situations where I knew in my heart I did not belong. I am so thankful for God’s mercy and love that even when we are running from what we know to be true as soon as we acknowledge and turn to Him, He is there with open arms. Some of us are initially runners – think about Jonah or the parable of the Prodigal’s son, which applies to many of us in some way. But even if we find ourselves in the belly of a whale or eating with swine, God’s love for us is extended to us wherever we are. I have heard so many stories where people feel disconnected from God because they feel their circumstances were too hard but as soon as they turned their hearts to God’s a transformation begins that reflects His Holy will for our lives. Wherever you are on the journey – God is available to provide peace, healing and deliverance once we turn our hearts and our will to Him.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.   Philippians 4:4-9

It turns out that “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” are not just words from a popular song from the late 1980’s. Consider the phrases in Paul’s letter to the Philippians – “Always be full of joy in the Lord’ and “Don’t worry about anything”. These things may seem like pointless initiatives when you have a particular concern before the Lord. You may feel anxious, stressful and even desperate to see some sign that God is moving on our behalf. This is one of my favorite passages that provide important guidance for each of us:

• Be Full of Joy with double emphasis
• Be gentle or considerate to every one
• Know The Lord is near by
• Don’t worry or be anxious
• Pray about everything
• Be grateful for God’s blessings
• Keep your mind on the things of God
• Do God’s Work

What is amazing to me is that taking these steps lead to God’s unexplainable peace even during difficult times.