What is on your mind today?

What thoughts fill your mind? If the word anxious comes to mind, you are not alone!
What is it exactly that gives growth to this awful feeling of anxiety? Is it simply our circumstances, or lack of control, or the presence of uncertainties? God tells us that it is because of our “little faith” (Matthew 6:30).
We all face attacks on our faith. David says “When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Notice he does not say “I never struggle with fear”. Even more, 1 Peter says “Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you”. Notice again that it does not say you will never feel any anxieties, but when you do, cast them on God.
For orphans we know that will soon be brought into a family, do we not desire for them to have steadfast peace and hope of soon being declared a son/daughter? Do we not wish to see these children rest in the fact that they are loved and being sought after? Indeed we do!
How much more does God desire for us to rest in His love and promises? He created us, and He demonstrated His love towards us while we were sinful, hopeless orphans, by giving up His Son for us so that we might be brought into His family! He has made a way for us to become His children and He has promised to come to us once more to finally bring us home.
Today I want to encourage myself and you to fight to rest. Our minds are a place of spiritual warfare and we are called to “fight the good fight of faith”. With the power of God’s Word and His very Spirit, we can defend against the attacks of unbelief.
In the story described in Mark 9:14-29, we see that the fight for faith is not just for the sake of our relationship with our Heavenly Father, but for the sake of others that God wants to make Himself known to. God wants to glorify Himself and expand His kingdom through us (such a wonderful thought!). He does these things through our good works-which are fueled by our faith in Him!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33

Lori Hereford
International Social Worker