Over the last week, I’ve had a lot of things come up that would have stressed me out a few years ago. One of my best friends is aware of these things and voiced her concern that there’s just too much being placed on my shoulders, and that she’s worried about me.
I thanked her for her concern, and I’m sure her prayers and those of others are sustaining me -- for I honestly don’t feel any inordinate amount of stress. Granted, I’ve had a lot of work to do, and I’ve been a bit bleary-eyed; but over all, I am not feeling a heavy weight of worry or stress. Concern, yes. A sense of responsibility, yes. But not worry.
I’ve pondered on how I can feel this “peace that passes all understanding” when a normal person would be sweating bullets. I think it’s because I have learned that no matter how bad things get or how dark the night, the Lord is in control and I am never alone. Carlfred Broderick wrote, “The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in the event of pain.” (From "The Uses of Adversity")
I have found this to be true. The Savior’s yoke makes it easy to carry heavy burdens by making them light upon our shoulders. I feel like singing as the psalmist, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler (shield) to all those that trust in him." Psalms 18: 2, 30
Or as Isaiah said, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” Isaiah 12: 2.
One of my favorite ways to keep these things uppermost in my mind is to listen to music that reminds me that God is in control. He is my strength and will never leave me alone. One of my favorites is "Press On" by Selah. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bg2cJ5bw2k
May God bless you and keep you forever in the hollow of His hand!
Marnie,
It amazes me how you when I get your messages that they coincide with something that is going on in my life. Right now, I have a son who will be leaving for college soon and one starting high school. I have so much to do and I just remind myself that I must press on and not worry. My husband and I tell ourselves that we will get through these trying financial times and things will get better. As the song says press on and that's what I intend to do.
Posted by: Jacqueline | April 17, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I believe the "She Loves God" email came directly from God. I am questioning everything about my life. Trying to raise a teenage daughter who fights me every step of the way, two sons who have left the nest -- one to Boston and one to Iraq. Looking at the fact that I am raising my stepgranddaughter and wondering if I'm qualified to do it again. But God reminds me that He walks with me every minute of every day and so I must PRESS ON>
Posted by: :osa | April 17, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Marnie, as Jacqueline said above, your message came at the right time. So refreshing, and the music is so heart-warming. God bless you!
Daisy
Posted by: Daisy | April 17, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Marnie,
Right on target!
It was just the message I needed to hear today!
Thankyou for letting the Holy Spirit speak through you in such a marvelous and wonderful way!
To God be all the honor and glory! Keep looking up!
Jim
Posted by: Jim Lake | April 17, 2009 at 01:50 PM
I love Psalm 18 and really loved this piece of yours. May God bless you in this great work that you do.
Sincerely,
nana
Posted by: Nana | April 17, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Marnie, the music is beautiful and so are your words. Since working with you for a couple of months I am feeling more of the peace you are talking about more often. It isn't new to me, just that I haven't had the faith to maintain it as much as I have now. His yoke is truly easy and His burden light. You are an awesome mentor. I am very grateful.
You have my love forever.
Renae
Posted by: Renae Pelo | April 17, 2009 at 07:55 PM
thank you for sharing i got courge and understan to bear my circumstances .
please pray for me and my family to be released from all burden.
Posted by: shahzad | April 18, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Marnie, I just woke up this morning saying Lord what am I doing so wrong, that I can't see the light. However, I know I must find the strength to press on. Thanks for the encouragement to get my face to the sky teaching me to go within and find peace.
Posted by: Jerbethaqui | April 18, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, This song truly reminds us of how powerful our Lord Jesus is and how much He is dependable. Thank you once again and God Bless you.
Posted by: Arun | April 19, 2009 at 03:06 AM
Today when I was at my lowest and needed a word of prayer from someone or I did not know how I was going to face the day, I received your song to press on.(e-mail)God is great and works in ways all his own. Thank you and may the Lord hold you dearly in the Palm of hands always, and protect you from all harm. Love You.
Posted by: Ernie Moreno | April 19, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, when i read your encouraing words they realy inspire me to press on as the songs. yesterday i felt so hopeless i didnt see myself any where, but truely that is hw powerful our Lord Jesus is and how much He is cares. He does not forsake us nor lieve us. i fill the joy of the Lord this morning. Thank you God Bless you.
Posted by: Aulo Susan | April 22, 2009 at 02:38 AM
I too have been focusing on helping people find faith and courage in these difficult times. Here is a Top 10 List of Quotes about Courage, which includes an AMAZING Martina McBride video:
http://www.examiner.com/x-7312-Miami-Interfaith-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m4d21-Top-10-list-of-quotes-about-courage-during-recession-unemployment
Posted by: DrDeb | April 22, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I am so happy to have received this special song. I have been looking for this song for the pass six month and thank God for you this song came right on time. This song has inspired me personally and also my marriage. thank you so much for blessing me.
Posted by: Michella Charles | May 05, 2009 at 08:24 PM
It's amazing how this song came on the day when I really seemed to be slipping down, down, down into anger, resentment and depression. I'm so glad your song broke the fall and I can go to Jesus to help me climb back up and press on.
I'm really grateful to you and that you are in my life. "Thank you Jesus for Marnie, please bless her and her loved ones every day, as she is such a blessing to me."
Love,
Antoinette
Posted by: Antoinette Mulder | August 20, 2009 at 05:02 PM
God's perfect timing this one came today much has been going on in my life right now.... i experiencing divorce, have had two hip replacements op last year and also now investigating cancer... I was feeling pretty low and very dejected I was beginning to think that God had indeed forsaken me only to find... that even through all this i can look to Jesus and leave all these concerns with him... trusting that all things work together for good.. Luv Karen
Posted by: Karen | August 20, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Thank you for sharing your words or encouragement today. They are always welcome.
Posted by: Patty Ann | September 17, 2010 at 04:28 PM
I love this Thank you so much Marnie for sharing what a wonderful song
Posted by: Wendy | March 16, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Thank GOD for this message,,, Indeed man can not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD....
Thank you for the verse in Psalm 18.
GOD BLESS!
Posted by: Josie Bogay Requina | June 28, 2012 at 10:21 PM
For every bad times that people encounter just like what I experience today,,it's an assurance that we have GOD whom we can always lean on, anytime, anywhere, and all the time...
THANK YOU LORD.....
Posted by: Josie Bogay Requina | June 28, 2012 at 10:24 PM