Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Sunday comes and preparation begins for the week ahead.  Mondays bring the worst of circumstances at work.  You set the alarm full of dread for what you will face tomorrow.  How can anyone acquire restful sleep while worry, fear, tension, agony and panic consume the mind?

The alarm rings loudly, you roll over and push snooze (a few times).  As you become horizontal, the thoughts flood in from the night before.  The kids miss the bus, so you must take them to school.  By taking them to school, you experience traffic.  The traffic cuts you so close to being late for work.  As you take a drink of coffee, some falls on your pants.  Great; you have a presentation to give at work today! 

Finally, you arrive at work and a few people called in sick, leaving more work for you.  When entering your office, a message awaits from your husband.  His car broke down on his way to work and must be fixed today.  Great, another bill!  You glance at the time on the clock and it is only 9:00am.  You feel as though you can take no more today.  How can you survive the rest of Monday?

"But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."

(Luke 21:14-15)

 "Anxiety weighs down the heart,
   but a kind word cheers it up." (Proverbs 12:25)

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
   your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
   your consolation brought me joy." (Psalm 94:18-19)

Turn it ALL over to God.  He will take over and help you rise from the anxiety, sadness and discouraging emotions.  He will not let you fall into ruin and He provides peace in ALL situations. 

Your arms reach up to Him in prayer.  Since others called in sick, your boss postpones the presentation.  You recall an extra pair of slacks left in the car and change quickly.  A friend asks you to lunch and foots the bill.  While at lunch, the TV shows news from the morning.  A wreck occurred by the office, just 20 minutes before you arrived.  It took you 20 minutes out of your way to take the kids to school.  Upon returning to work, another message waits from your husband.  A guy at his work checked out the car, found the problem and fixed it for the price of your lunch. 

Do you see it?  God works in the most amazing ways and too often we miss His presence.  Ask Him into your every moment and walk with full confidence that He will work all things out.  When you rest your head at night, do not dread or worry about tomorrow.  God already went ahead of you and planned a wonderful day for you and Him to experience together.  Yes, Satan may try and throw some wrenches in the work, but asking God to come along will not allow for ruin.  If your thoughts expect a bad day, then you will focus on every little thing that goes wrong and Satan will gain a foothold.  "Where the mind goes the man follows" (Joyce Meyer).  He already defeated Satan.  Have faith in Him and walk hand in hand through every moment.

If things go wrong, don't go with them.  ~Roger Babson

Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.  ~Swedish Proverb

Don't sweat the small stuff. . . God's got your back!

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for another chance to enjoy this land You provide.  Walk with me today.  Let us enjoy the weather, laugh together, spread some smiles and do all we can to help others in need.  Keep me focused on Your Truth and the promises You made.  I know You will never leave me nor forsake me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig