Put On the Garment of Praise...

Today, as I walked my middle daughter to school, she repeatedly said "I'm going to get into trouble. People are going to laugh at me. This isn't a jersey. I shouldn't have wore it."

I reassured her time and time again. "Sommer, Relax! You're going to be fine. Your shirt is a sweatshirt jersey. You have a shirt to change into if the school doesn't approve of what you are wearing. It's going to be ok."

As she pondered fruitless thoughts of what ifs and other fear-filled scenarios, I became frustrated.

"Sommer, quit worrying. Quit thinking of how everything is going to go wrong, baby doll. You're going to be fine!" As I gave her a reassuring hug and turned to walk back home, God tapped on my shoulder. No, not physically. But, He did get my attention. It was as if I could hear Him say, (clearing His throat) "Ahemmm...Hey, Julie. You need to do the same."

I sighed. "Ahhhhhhhhh. I know, Lord. I know."

He replayed my own words..."Relax. You're going to be fine. Quit worrying! Quit thinking of how everything is going to go wrong, baby doll. You're going to be fine!"

For the last twenty-four hours I've entertained pretty fruitless thoughts.

You see, yesterday was a frustrating day. A month ago, I went in for preventative blood work. I hadn't had a yearly physical for over 8 years. Yesterday, I discovered that my insurance company isn't going to pay! GRRRRRR! So, long story short...I'm out $4700! Yes! $4700. For blood work? You've got to be kidding???

Anyway, the issue has consumed my mind for the last 24 hours. I've contemplated all the "what if scenarios" possible.

Thus, the loving interruption by my Father was extremely welcomed this morning...

God challenged me to get a hold of my thoughts. To not worry about how the monstrosity is going to get paid. He encouraged me to not entertain all the fruitless scenarios attempting to steal my joy. Instead...He lovingly commissioned me to praise HIM--no matter what!

Friends, fear steals our joy! What ifs intimidate our obedience! Bottom line...we have a choice to make. Who's report will we believe?

Satan whispers, It's impossible. You're a failure. You'll never win. You're going to fail. Your faith is futile. You have nothing to offer. Give up...

But, God whispers. I love you. I will not fail you. I will provide for you. I will sustain you. I will work all things together for your good. He calls for our faith to rest in Him...in His abilities...NOT ours.

Faith requires trust. So, today, I'm choosing to trust God. To never give up. To press on. To live obedient to His Voice. To believe in His faithfulness, knowing He will lead me. He will guide me. His LOVE for me will never fail!

How about you?

• Are you facing good circumstances? Awesome! Praise Him. And, remember where the blessing comes from.
• Are you in the midst of trials? Remember, it's gonna be OK! God is faithful. So, praise Him. Romans 5:3-5 reminds us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (NIV)

My heart is filled with an old praise song of..."Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your voice to God. Praise in the Spirit and with understanding...Oh magnify the Lord!"

So, will you join with me? Let's declare Psalm 34:1-3 today--NO MATTER WHAT! It says, "I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." (NIV)