In every situation we believe someone, either Jesus or His enemy. Those moments when I’m most anxious, I can trace the root back to a lie I’m believing. Peace tells me I’m believing Jesus. Anxiety is brought on by listening to the other guy.

This seems overly simplistic, but technically it is that simple. No matter your situation, you can follow your trail of fear, anxiety, anger, discontentment, or any other negative emotion back to some lie you’re believing. Maybe it’s a fear that a horrific diagnosis will come. In that case you are believing that God won’t come through for you. Or maybe you’re entangled by anger and resentment after a spouse or loved one lets you down. Often when our disappointment is due to the action or inaction of another, we are believing that our happiness rests in them or that God isn’t enough.

If you find yourself at peace, follow that trail. You are most likely taking God at his word in a matter – or maybe many matters. I’ve found that peace is found only in belief, belief that God is ever present and in control of it all: an unexpected diagnosis, the future of a prodigal child, the failing marriage, and money crisis. When we find ourselves believing Jesus, peace prevails even over difficult life circumstance.

I hope you will look at your own areas of belief. Whom are you believing? The presence or lack of peace will be your sure indication.

In my own life, I’m discovering after a season of upheaval, that I wasn’t believing Jesus in a matter. He’s never let me down before, so I’m not exactly sure why I doubted this time. Like we all do, I allowed what I was seeing to heighten my unbelief and distrust. That whole “walk by faith and not by sight” thing was blown out the window. Before I knew it my mind was filled with what ifs and maybes. I’m back on track now and holding onto belief with both hands. Honestly, I still haven’t seen Him come through. I’ve decided, though, if He doesn’t, if I’ve missed what I thought I was hearing, then He still has my best at heart. The outcome will still be for my good. I simply have to believe He is good and loves me and has this all covered.

I guess we all have those moments when we need to take a step back from our overload of emotions and ask ourselves what we are clinging to, the Truth or a lie.

My best to you this wonderful 4th of July. Be safe. Have fun. Run fast once the fuse is lit.

Lisa

Zoe makes the cut again this week.

Last night as Zoe was roaming around in her courtyard, sniffing out invaders, she got close to the fence. Where the ground is not level, there is a large gap between the fence and ground. I watched as Zoe got closer and closer to the fence, stretching out her neck as if tempted to crawl under, but she only sniffed and came back to me. In the four years since we’ve lived here, she’s only snuck beneath the fence once, and that was because a neighbor was on the other side talking to us.

The more I thought about, the more I considered God’s boundaries for us and how they are there for our protection. Just like we have Zoe’s courtyard fenced to keep her in and bigger dogs out, God has given us bounds of protection. It’s not that He wants to keep us from having fun or trying to find out if the grass is really greener on the other side. He knows the dangers that lurk out there on the other side. His heart is always to protect His children.

I’ve tested the waters on the other side and nearly drown. I’ve stuck my head beneath the fence and got it lodged there util He came and wiggled me back inside. I’m done with that now. These days, I’m happy to explore all that God has for me here in His courtyard. Since there are so many adventures waiting for me in the Kingdom, the world has lost its appeal. I guess that comes with maturity. 🙂 And maybe with a stiff neck from getting stuck a time or two.

All this to say, trust God’s boundaries and know that His motive is love. No temptation out there is worth the danger you’ll face if you go poking your head under the fence.

Love and blessings to you,
Lisa

I have this sweet puppy named Zoe. She’s my best little friend and my favorite child. Ask my kids and they’ll tell you. Other than being with me and eating, she lives to go outside. Since she’s a tiny girl, not even four and a half pounds, she can’t go out and play like other pups can. Hawks watch for her and wouldn’t hesitate to swoop down and try to carry her away. Honestly, I have no greater fear for her than that. It doesn’t help that she hops through the grass like a bunny. Of course the hawks think she is dinner rather than someone’s little girl.

She’s now eleven, and in those years I’ve learned that early mornings before 8:00  a.m. and after dinner seem to be the safest times. Rarely is there a hawk present. Still, I don’t take any chances or let my guard down where she’s concerned. While we walk, I stay near, most times right by her side. I know that if I’m close a predator can’t easily get to her.

One evening recently, she and I were walking together and I could see my shadow cast over her prissy little body. It brought God to mind and how when we walk near to Him we are safest from the Predator. Even a little distance away from Jesus allows room for the enemy to swoop in and dig his talons into us.

It’s too easy to think that a step away won’t cause harm. But it can. Allowing this bad attitude here and that sinful action there can cause great harm to us and to those we love in the long run. I know for me, walking closely with Jesus daily by spending time with Him in prayer and through His Word matters. Even a few days away leads my mind to wander. I’m intentional about staying by His side. When I do, even a little bit of a bad attitude is caught and quickly addressed.

As for Zoe, she hasn’t figured all this out. She wants to run and hop and sniff no matter how near or far I am. I have to be a good mom and watch the skies for danger. I have to make sure I stay near enough to grab her up if I see a hawk circling. God is the same with us. Even when we are oblivious of the danger overhead, He’s there to grab us up at the first sign of danger.

My charge to you: Stay near to Jesus. Remain in the shadow of His wings. Danger is always out there lurking, but our good Father is watching the skies.

Blessings to you and yours from Lisa and Zoe!

Zoe sleeping on her back porch, dreaming of playing outside. Sometimes her feet wiggle as if she’s hopping around her courtyard.