Humble Ourselves, Under HIS MIGHTY HAND!

  Greetings!
This was a ​rough ​week for me - one of those weeks that I had to pause and reflect on where I was in life; soley based off of how run down I felt! I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, and knew it was time to take inventory of things again - like what 'needed to go' and what 'needed to ​stay'.​ Anytime I go from day to day - sleeping, but not feeling rested (due to stress and busyness)- anxiety is at the door. I try to push through - not wanting to be lazy or to 'do the right thing' -- but I quickly (and finally) realize that it's ​not ​me --- but rather it's my ​schedule. I put demands on my body ​and ​ mind, that I absolutely cannot keep up with. I mean, they are all ​good​  things  (I think, anyway) , like: work, school, kids (single mother), volunteering, church/ministry work, kids activities.........homework......bills........house-hunting......house-cleaning (of where I live ​now...​) ...friends and their activities.......and..so on. How could I ​dare ​skip  OR ​​leave out ​*anything*??  I mean, it's all *good*, right? I  ​want​  to do them!
Well. I guess you CAN eliminate things, when your body says, "No".
​And sure, they can all be called 'good' things to some of us, but maybe not good: ALL AT ONE TIME.
Even some of the things I might argue and say I am *​meant​* to do them - just not ​all at one time.
Give every last drop back to God! And ask Him to reveal what you should be doing - right ​now.​ ​Pray and ask Him to send someone as well, that can give you 'wise counsel'. That person's lifestyle and choices will indicate the kind of help you will receive - so don't waste your time. I read something on Psychology Today that said something like this: Goals are great! But, not alllll at one time; that creates unrealistic goals and anxiety/stress, from demands on yourself that no one could meet. Prioritize them; and do them one at a ​time.
​Upon waking up this morning, I read this verse (see left photo):

​God was instructing me (in the form of a 'visual'  - that's what this passage does for me),  how to protect myself from wrong decisions and temptation to do things ' my way'. Kinda like a new ​stance to take​, in order to remain clear:​§  Keep my back turned  - to  desires that waste my time, energy, aren't really good for me, or don't ​produce what I need.
​§  ​​Keep a fresh and open relationship with God EVERYDAY - making it the first thing I do each day (spending time with Him).
§  ​Decide to maintain distance from things that tempt me, that keep me farther away from my goals and God-given destiny,  or that complicates my everyday life and it's environment as well.

In decision making, and what I choose to think upon: prioritize my need and desire to have a 'purified heart, undivided loyalty to God's way, and clean hands'.  With these things produces the rest of what is mentioned in the ​passage:
closeness with God, a pure heart, single loyalty, real repentance (actual change), and a humbled character, that God will and does honor.
A simple prayer:
​God,  I first thank you and honor you with my heart that you have taken care of me and preserved me since birth for a special purpose; and because you love me. You tell me in your WORD to specifically ask for wisdom from you - without wavering -or divided loyalty. I acknowledge your  Sovereignty over everything, and your desire that I be on the right path for me. Because of Your grace, Your mercy and love, I am free from mistakes through repentance and can thankfully move on without looking back. Show me how to make decisions that are wise and conducive for my life - regardless of how it may cause other well-intended people feel. Show me what to ​keep,​ and what needs to ​go.​ Reveal to me please, my purpose in You, in this life You blessed me with. Life is a gift from God. I ask you to open my eyes, and  with clarity and the ability to see things as you see them  (2 Kings 6:17; Philip. 2:5; 1:9-10).  Reveal to me my priorities, and problem areas. Teach me order, and my household order.. and the wisdom to keep it more often. In Jesus name, Amen!

​Davina

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