By: Elizabeth Haarberg

How Does This Affect Me?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link. 

There is a situation happening currently that I’m close to. The kicker is that the issue is not affecting me directly, but I lay in bed last night thinking about how I could change or influence this situation. I’m really alarmed for the person involved. As I continued to lay there thinking, I asked the Lord for peace, and he gently reminded me to remove myself from the situation. The issue is not mine. This is someone else’s issue.

I don’t normally get worked up over someone else’s situation, but all I can see is the negative if the person chooses to go down this path. I wanted control of someone else’s life and their decisions. This person is an adult, they know Christ, and they are able to make choices on their own.

So, what happens when we are having a hard time untangling ourselves from someone’s choices? We need to ask for some Peace!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 English Standard Version

He tells us to focus on today and to have no anxiety.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34 English Standard Version

He will bring us peace above all understanding.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Psalm 94:19 English Standard Version

I was attempting to play the part of God in the situation I was trying to control. I wanted my hand in the situation. Once I humbled myself and realized that God is moving quicker, more, and in ways I can’t understand, I relaxed.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 English Standard Version

Rest in Him. If we are to do something, He will tell us. Otherwise, just trust that He is working it all out. Prayer is our most powerful weapon.

I’m attaching a song that spoke to me yesterday. God will work it out!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado