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Ahhhh…RELIEF!

This morning was stressful. Have you had times like that? Times when whatever you had going on kept circling in your head riding heavy on your heart?

In a few moments you may feel like my source of stress was really nothing at all, but I just couldn’t help it.

Earlier today there was a meeting of area pastors in one of the buildings of the church I pastor. They were there for lunch and prayer.

This may not sound like a big deal to you, but it was for me. During my spiritual formative years my pastor always referred to those guys as God’s Anointed. So I’ve always thought of pastors as special men the Lord has set apart for His service.

Now, I realize they are all human like you and me but I regard them as very special people.

So, I couldn’t sit still or stop thinking about it… maybe I’m just weird but I was seriously restless.

Are you fidgety about something? If so, what? Something’s gotten a hold of you and is shaking your peace of mind and heart. Maybe that something is a someone. Regardless. You’ve got to get a hold of yourself so you can thrive!

Three things happened to me this morning that helped me greatly. They can help you as well.

First, in my uneasiness I felt God drawing me back to Himself. I sensed God wanting me set time aside to pray. So I did. I read something from the Bible and got on my knees.

God and His Word have a way giving us peace when we want to pace, sweat, and bite our nails to the knuckle instead.

I remember one day in Seminary a student asked me, “Why do you look so anxious and troubled?” I answered, “I have a final coming up and I’m afraid I’m going to fail it.” Without missing a beat he replied, “Peter wrote, ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” I asked, “What? What did you say?” (the last thing in my mind was the Bible, Peter, or any other Bible character for that matter). So he repeated himself. And I said, “No kidding, Peter said that?” He said, “Look it up in 1Peter 5:7.” And sure enough, that’s what Peter wrote and I memorized it right then and there.

This morning God drew me back to Himself.

Whatever you’re agitated about allow the Lord to bring you closer to Himself. When you feel like you’re sitting on pins and needles let the Lord be your cushion.

Then, as the start of the event drew near, one of my top notched ladies at church showed up to set up the place. She dressed the tables elegantly, arranged all, and got ready for the pastors arrival. She said to me, “I got this, pastor, I don’t need your help. Go do whatever you need to do.”

Her presence reassured me. She had even made an incredible desert for the meeting that she called Robert Redford. I’ve had the same thing but by another name, Better Than Sex Cake. I didn’t introduce it that way to the crowd that showed up, however.

My friend’s help was priceless! Everyone was so impressed by her efforts.

Next time you’re feeling the pressure, share the load with someone who cares.

One more thing, as I checked out our facilities I noticed that our church’s Monday Cleaning Crew had made an extra effort to make that meeting place look spotless!

I was proud to have them by my side. And the pastors were all so complementary of how nice the hall looked.

In the end everyone had a great time! But it was all because of God, His Word, His people.

So, next time you’re sweating out the details…don’t! Trust God and those He has set around you to help.

By the way…I did pass that test in Seminary.

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think.