Spinning plates

Evening 12/01/2021

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Plate spinner

It is in the nature of humanity to strive. We face a problem, and we try and deal with it ourselves. As a reward for our efforts we are filled with anxiety and stress, and the peace of God is absent from our lives. We feel like failures, because we know that are supposed to release all to the Lord, but we fail to do so. We forget about God and His power.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalms 46:10 NKJV

It took a lot of time for me to become one who has surrendered. It took many illnesses, hospitalizations, being tethered to a dialysis machine for three years and finally a year of extreme pressure, where my father declined through dementia right before my eyes, and I was too sick to make his life more comfortable.

There was a time when I was a great plate spinner, keeping multiple situations spinning as in a circus act. At times I was brilliant, and I marveled that I could handle so much at one time. I was the master of multitasking! Over time, I found that I would tire, as more and things were coming into my life.

When I began to follow Jesus, my plates began to slow and fall from the rods, shattering upon the floor. I learned that I could not handle all the things that I had chosen to put on myself. Many of the new plates were spiritual ones, require the supernatural help of God.

About that time, I discovered the power of prayer. I began to take my most dire things to the Lord. Looking back, I marvel at how He delivered me and answered the many prayers.

When I look back at that season with my dad, I was finally brought to the end of myself, completely devoid of power, bowed low, and pushed into dependency. The things that I had clutched so closely in my hands were now dropping, as my palms were now uplifted, holding nothing, now upraised in worship.

I was broken. I am broken.

At a time when I should be most anxious, I have a deep peace. God has looked after me these past four years, meeting every single need I could ever have. He has brought blessings I did not even know were possible.

I have to admit that I seldom pray for myself, as I have learned to lean on the Lord. He knows what I need, before I ask.

““Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:31-32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I make it my priority to seek the Lord daily wanting to know Him better, and make Him known.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:33-34 NKJV

God has become the One who spins my plates, and none of them have fallen. As my faith has deepened, I have found that I have few moments of anxiety. Because of the calm that Jesus has given me, I can take on the weight of other’s concerns as I intercede on their behalf.

Brothers and sisters, let us release our anxieties to the Lord. He is more than able to shoulder the burden, and He welcomes us. He shouldered the burden of our sin, taking it to the cross. Remember that He loves you and cares for you.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV

Peter wrote those verses to a church facing persecution. They had much got be anxious about. I suspect that we who follow the Lord Jesus today, will soon be in that position of dependence. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today. There are many of us who praying for victory, for Roe V Wade to be overturned. In that victory, if it comes, there will be great cause of anxiety, for those who are pro abortion will vent their rage against Christians, possibly signaling the great purge that know to be coming.

Jesus promised us that we would have trouble, but He also told us that He has already brought the victory.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
John 16:33 NKJV

Take the time to clear your minds of the anxieties of the day. I like to put on some worship music, or perhaps a virtual fire. I spend some time in the word and in prayer before my head finally hits the pillow.

Rest easy, my people. The Lord already knows about tomorrow and whatever it may bring. Have a blessed evening!

https://www.allaboutgod.com/the-roman-road.htm