Opening New Windows

It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years bring a lot more than just joy and holiday cheer. For students it is a reminder of finals before the break (or graduation and the real world for some), for employees it is time to make sure your “i”’s are dotted and “t”’s are crossed before the year comes to a close and for everyone it is time to get your holiday shopping completed and time to start making new New Years resolutions (and reflect on you resolutions for 2011).

Last year I was a bit late on making my resolutions and as expected, by June most of them were nowhere near the forefront of my mind. Well, it is still December and I have decided that this year is going to be different. Although most of my previous resolutions would be deemed “good” by society and my initial intentions for each of my resolutions were (or attempted to be) focused on God, I have come to the conclusion that I did not stick with them because I did not fully give them to the Lord. That is why I have decided this year is going to be different.

As many of you already know, this next year of life is going to consist of some major changes- graduation, getting married, starting the Kanakuk Institute, graduate school and a plethora of other life changing events. While I am beyond thrilled and excited to see what the Lord has in store for Caleb and me this year, I am aware that I have the tendency to be anxious- and this year there will be quite a few areas in which anxiety may try to weasel its way into my life.

I recently finished a book called “Calm My Anxious Heart” by Linda Dillow, which explained that there are two parts in the process of finding contentment. First may summarized by Philippians 4:6 (one of my go-to verses).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your request to God.

Or according to the Living Bible; “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Our part in this process of learning to be content is a heart choice­– a choice to pray rather than be anxious. Sadly, I tend to do the reverse of this and worry about everything and pray after realizing how worried I am- and I am pretty sure I am not the only one who does this. We have flip-flopped the biblical prescription, not in belief but in practice.

God’s part may be seen in Philippians 4:7.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What a blessing! If we make the choice to pray rather than worry we get to personally experience God’s peace.  One of my languages of love is physical touch, so I feel very at peace when someone is tangibly holding me. So when I read this verse I like to visualize God literally wrapping his arms around me so that I may focus on nothing other than how omnipotent He is and how vast His love is for me.

Finally, one of my absolute favorite verses, Philippians 4:8 tells us what it is that we should focus on.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.

By keeping these verses and lessons on the forefront of our mind we can’t help but find joy, success and fulfillment! This year, as the Lord shuts old doors and opens new windows, I am determined to keep my sight fixed on Him.