Individually and collectively there is so much going on. In my personal life, there are so many things that are a source of worry or stress. Collectively we have the elections coming up. Things just kind of feel up in the air. My personal opinion is, no matter who wins the election, Americans lose.
For my mental health, I choose to keep the news off and to ignore politics for the most part. The nonsense that we have no control over damages mental health, relationships etc. It is a giant theater, and I will not buy into the show anymore.
Regardless, there is heightened anxiety and stress all around us.
During my work outs, I have been shuffling Justin Beiber. The tvs spanning the entire wall of the wall that I was facing showed election commercials and news. Everything broadcast was dark and overwhelming. I chose to look down. Trying to elevate my mindset, I decided to turn off my usual Justin Beiber and switched to my, “Jesus Music” playlist. The song, “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle came through my head phones. I’ve heard it before, but I was so moved by it today. I put it on repeat.
The mindset of faith that poured out of the lyrics of this song reminded me of my childhood pastor’s wife Janice. Janice’s prayers always made me feel safe and like God was on our side. The strength of her faith exuded from these amazing prayers. For several years now, I have been trying to tap into faith like that.
Historically, my fear has been known to overtake me and direct my life.
When I went through my health scare, God reminded me that all I needed was faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (Matthew 17:20.) I was contemplating this during my work out while listening to the song lyrics.
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus
Cause your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
Shout Jesus from the mountains
Jesus, in the streets
Jesus in the Darkness, over every enemy
Jesus for my family
I speak the holy name
Jesus
For those who don’t know, a mustard seed is tiny, about a millimeter. For me, my mustard seed faith has looked like a small, soft, scared, whisper calling out, “Jesus.” A tiny glimmer of hope. Keep calling on His name, and what is first a flicker of light, will grow into a blazing fire illuminating the darkness.
Jesus.
Jesus!
JESUS!!
The fear gets replaced with faith.
When Jesus was on a boat with His disciples, a huge storm came. The waves were so big they were crashing over the boat. Everyone was freaking out thinking they would die…. except Jesus.
What was Jesus doing? Sleeping.
Jesus was taking a little nap.
Resting.
When we are in states of anxiety or stress, people freak out and commonly lose sleep.
I want to be relaxed and regulated like Jesus was. In times of turbulence, I want to observe the storm and rest peacefully knowing that the God of the universe is taking care of me and my family. His plan may be different than ours, but I want to have faith that trusts His plan.
We live in a fallen world. Just because we have Jesus, it does not mean that we won’t face hard times. It means that we have access to a peace that passes understanding.
Janice lost two of her four sons at young ages. This would rock the faith of many people, but Janice’s faith and trust in God did not waver.
My grandpa has faced deep suffering in his life and has lost not one, but two of the loves of his life. Despite it all, Grandpa is one of the sweetest and most pleasant people to be around. I asked him how he is so strong. He told me, it is Jesus.
My cousin Bonnie is one of the most beautiful souls I know. She has faced a lot of heart ache including the loss of her daughter. She is one of the most giving, loving, forgiving, and caring people. One day at church, I asked her how she faced such suffering, but continued on with such grace. She said, “Jesus.”
There is a common denominator here amongst these people who inspire me.
Jesus.
Life is going to life.
We have something bigger than life.
We have Jesus.
Peter was walking on the water with Jesus. Let me repeat that, WALKING ON THE WATER.
He was literally performing a miracle when he saw the wind and the waves, became afraid, and doubted. He started to fall. “Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:31-32
“The peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 4:7
Like the song says, let’s “Speak Jesus.”
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