Have you ever noticed in life that there is always an issue we are working on or concerned about? Most often our reaction is to worry about these issues. Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 6; “….do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” I love Jesus because He is pointing us to something deeper; is not our lives more than these issues, worries, concerns or situations?! Often we allow these worries to draw us away from God when we should have never left His side to begin with. When we learn to stop worrying and learn to trust God; He can teach us peace in the midst of these circumstances. There are times when God is calling us to go through situations; during these times He builds more peace and steadfastness in our soul and spirit. Jesus wants us to learn how to have peace and confidence in His love and leadership no matter what the circumstances are. I think there are some keys to moving past issues and worries, such as having childlike faith, praying, thinking rightly which leads to a change in our perspective. A catalyst that often helps in all these areas is praising and giving thanks to Jesus.
Jesus said that we should have faith like a child. Matthew 18; Jesus said “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Children that are raised in a loving envirment do not normally weary about paying the bills or putting food on the table; they trust their parents to take care of them. Childlike faith is faith that relies on the Father to take care of all that concerns them. We need to continually have a fresh revelation of the Fathers love for us!
Paul in His letter to the Philippians said “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, (4:6-7)” I believe that we must have perspective from heaven and prayer allows us to do this. When issues arise we need to call out to Jesus and get His perspective, what He wants us to learn through the process and strategies for breakthrough
Paul also address what we think about in our minds. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things,” (phil 4:8). We must take captive every thought and think only on good and wholesome things. Ask Holy Spirit to help and reveal any thoughts that are not honoring to Him.
So many breakthroughs have come into my own life through Praising and thanking God for everything. Psalms 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” Paul says in Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!” We should praise and thank God because He is worthy, and because He is loving. We receive fresh perspective, strength and peace when we let go of the worries and concerns that so often occupy out thoughts and weigh down our emotions zapping us of our energy and joy. I have never experienced a breakthrough from worrying but I have experienced breakthroughs from praising and giving thanks to Jesus. I believe that praise and worship can re-wire our brains and gives us extra grace to think rightly, have proper perspective and increase our ability to hear God.
Lastly we need to move from being ‘us’ or ‘I’ focus to Jesus focused. This is a journey that the Shulammite took in the Song of Solomon (Song). In the beginning of the book she is very focused on herself “I am black but lovely,” (1:5) and “My beloved is mine, and I am His,” (2:16). Even in Song 5:16 the Shulammite says “This is my beloved and this is my friend.” It is still about her. Yet towards the end of the book the Shulammite through the leadership of Jesus says, “I am my beloved’s and His desire is for me,” (Song 7:10). She has encountered the Bridegroom and is overwhelmed with His beauty and totally trust Him, so much that she knows she can focus on His glory and He will take care of her.
