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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Peace-full

Update: When I started to write a post today (Friday), I sensed God wanted me to leave this post up through the weekend. I pray these words will fall fresh on your weary or worried heart today. They have on mine. I am working on my book proposal about a woman’s doubts this weekend. I’ know I’ve said it before but I’m really starting. I have to thank you because your comments and God’s clear leading have inspired me to take that first step! I’d treasure your prayers as I seek His thoughts and gather mine. I’ll keep you posted, and I’ll be back Monday with more encouragement!

When I look at a rocking chair I feel peace-full! And I have to admit, I long for peaceful almost as much as a cup of coffee or the chance to stay in bed longer on cold winter mornings. Yes, peace-full is very appealing to me.

Worry is the opposite of peace-full. It leaves me me peace-less!

There are times when I don’t even realize I’m worried. My mind is wired to think a lot so I get used to the constant flurry of motion in my brain. Worry will start to slowly creep in, and then before I know it there’s a stirring in my heart, my neck is tense, my mind won’t shift gears and little concerns have kicked into full blown worry.

Author Linda Dillow says, “Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere!” Oh, she is so right. When I finally stop worrying, I realize I’ve wasted a bunch of time and mental energy thinking about something I can’t change when I should’ve been talking to God – since He is the only one who can.

In Philippians 4:5b-7, Paul tells us how we can find peace in the midst of our worries. He says,”…the Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5b-7 (NLT)

In the NIV translation, Verse 7 says, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Oh that God’s peace would transcend my need to understand! Sometimes that is my biggest problem, I can accept what God is doing if He’d just help me understand why He’s doing it that way.

I want what Paul promises. I want God to guard my heart and mind with peace as I tuck myself into Jesus (because He’s near) and live in the sovereignty of Him being in control. Let’s break down the ways Paul says we can get God’s peace that is far more wonderful than our minds can understand:

  1. Stop worrying
  2. Start praying – tell God what I need.
  3. Thank God for what He’s already done

Now that is doable! So why is it so stinkin’ hard to do? Why do I naturally do the opposite? I think it’s because the enemy whispers in our thoughts: Do not be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn’t listen. And the concerns that consume your thoughts will devour your peace as you wring your hands, allowing anxiety and fear to rob you of your joy!

But according to yesterday, we are taking those thoughts captive, right? We are throwing them in the outfield and claiming God’s promise to provide just what we need – peace. So, today when our concerns consume us, let’s choose to stop and empty our hearts of our worries, talk to God about what we need and THANK HIM for His faithfulness and provision. One thing I do is write it in my journal so I can look back and remember the times God has been there for me or my family. It’s amazing how peace-full comes when I stop worrying, start praying and begin thanking Him for what He has and will do.

“You will keep in perfect peace, (her) whose mind is steadfast, because (she) trusts in you.” Isaiah 24:4

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This Week’s Mom Give-Aways

This week Leah will be drawing names from each day’s comments for this week’s give-aways which include the following:D6 Mom Tshirts, “Total Money Make-Over”by Dave Ramsey, Finding Home by Jim Daly, George Barna’s “Revolutionary Parenting”, “My Single Mom Life”by Angela Thomas’ and a year’s worth of Family Devotional Magazines from D6.

To be part of these give-aways, click on “comments” below. PLEASE include your email so we can get in touch if you win. Thank you D6 and Proverbs 31 Ministries for all the great give-aways!

Comments

  1. Thank you for listening and having this post up over the weekend. It was part of the message God is sending me today. In fact I was so inspired I wrote my own blog entry about it. I quoted you and liked back to this entry, I hope that is okay.

    bugladynora(at)yahoo.com

  2. I will be praying for you with your book proposal! 🙂 I cannot imagine writing a book. I am presently wrestling over a simple article. 🙂

    And I am glad you left this post up. I had never thought of worry being like a rocking chair. How much time have I wasted, not getting anywhere while I worry, worry, worry! And I admit it…I am bad to not only worry but also try to take control. So obviously, I may need to reread this post! 🙂

    (On a side note: My hubby is beside me and he noticed your “HeBrews” blog button and loved it. I told him how that had really caught my attention, too, the first time I came by here. Oh, how I love coffee and the Lord!!!!!)

    Blessings, sweet Renee. You are such an encourager.

  5. Oh Renee, thank you so much for the sweet reminder. I have had such a pit in my stomach wondering if I could have done something different to prevent a family member from sinning these last few weeks, worrying and worrying that I just wasn’t good enough or faithful enough or strong enough to prevent this person from hurting me.

    Thank you for the little nudge towards remembering where my peace and security comes from.

    Love,
    Lindsey

  6. I want to thank you so much for your message from Thurs.

    I am actually reading your blog for the very first time. My timing couldn’t have been any better. I have always been a worrier, but my worrying has started to turn into causing me phyical and emotional anxiety.

    I also feel that over the several months I have recognized this transition and want to turn around and go back to being a happy and healthy person again. I have started reading my bible more, getting the P31 daily devotions, reading and watch Kenneth Copeland materials, and I recently purchased a couple of Lysa Terkeurst books. I feel that the devil has become more aware of my interest in getting things straighten out and he is trying even harder to work his way back into my thoughts as much as he can. I am going to stand against him and continue to work toward my goal. I WILL win this battle with worrying, anxiety and fear. I have a lot of peer and family support; and I also like to print out encouraging words (such as your blog)to read and reread, to help me reach my goals.

    Thanks again

    [email protected]

  7. Now that is doable! So why is it so stinkin’ hard to do?………..man, I so understand this sentiment because worry burdens me more than I wish it did…….it is not that I do not have faith…it is that the whispers sometimes get louder than the reassurances [email protected]

  8. God lead you to leave that over the weekend to make sure I read it.
    My husband has been unemployed for sometime now and all I do is worry.
    I have two children and when you don’t know how the house payment will be made your way of thinking should be pray to God for he is almighty and can change all things but, worry sets in. Thank you for sharing.
    Gina
    [email protected]

  9. So was this post left up for me too? Didn’t get around to reading yesterday and wow…this one hit me. I am in middle of having to make a major career decision and so worried and stressed out about it. What is the right decision. I have been praying about it and know I need to leave it a Jesus’ feet. But oh how hard that is to do for a control freak like me!!

    Blessings to you Renee as you begin your book. May God bless your endeavors

    Thanks again for a great and timely post

    Kim
    [email protected]

  10. This year. God put some new challenges into my life. If I had my ‘d’ruthers, Iwould keep my nice, calm life and not add new challenges. Challenges allow me to fail, to worry, to let others see the cracks in my armor. As I read your post, I felt a kinship with you… it is MUCH harder to keep the clarity of thought to trust God and not worry. Instead of IF ONLY, Iam committed to “Where next, Lord?” (Even though I’ll be doing many things afraid. 🙂

    [email protected]
    mom to Savannah, a powerful 3 yr old

  11. It always blesses me when God gives me a subject to ponder from two different sources. I just listened to Lysa’s audio, “Fearless, Thankful,” yesterday and now your message today about worry.

    I am not usually a worrier, nor do I usually fear the future; but the need for peace is a biggie for me. I have been struggling with my need for quiet, peaceful, restful space in my days.

    So, given Lysa’s audio and your posts I am going to imploy thankful praise and generous prayer over this need.

    I’m off now to heat the water for that cup of coccoa that I’m gonna drink when God answers and provides me with His perfect blessing: cause I know that He loves me and will rescue me by quietening my soul!

  12. This message is right on time. I have been worrying and thinking of all the bad things around me instead of staying foucused on what God had done for me and what he is going to do. I realize that by me worrying all the time that it is showing my kids to worry and that i am not putting my faith In God. I am really glad that i read your articles they have really been a blessing to me.

  13. Thank you so much for leaving this post up! I am battling a stubborn two year old and needless to say that my house is anything but peaceful. As she is having a temper tantrum and I am trying to ignore, I have read your post several times and I try to pitch the worries away (am I doing the right thing, am I a bad mother, am I being just as stubborn as she, etc.) and ask myself would Jesus tell me these things? My heart breaks every time she cries and gets mad, but I know I have to stand firm… I guess I’m getting an inside look at how my Father feels every time I “stomp my feet” and refuse to listen. Makes me be more diligent at following his direction and doing his will. It’s still hard though… Her stubbornness comes naturally…

    Thanks again!
    Anna Mc
    [email protected]

  14. I was reminded yesterday by a dear friend that we don’t need to concentrate on the mountain. Just pray and tell God about, then focus on the “mover of the mountain” and give him the praise he deserves every time your mind goes back to it, give God the glory for moving the mountain in his time. After all he knows the mountains that we are struggling with..he is just waiting for you to give it to him and ask. Easier said than done sometime but I’m learning!!
    Thanks for your devotion…the timing was perfect!!

  15. Thankyou so much for sharing this.

    As a mom/wife tyring to stay peacefull instead of bing stressed is not easy.
    With my husband out of work right now/3 kids.. I definetly need more peace in my life:)
    With litle money coming in with UE.. things are tight.
    I tend to worry about where the $ will come from for bills, etc.. instead of trusting God.
    He is ALWAYS faithful!!! He always provides!!
    These verses are exactly what I need to keep me focused on God/the peace He gives.
    I need to guard my heart more with peace/less worry.
    Perfect peace- something that I need to remember in the tough times we are going through right now.

    Chrissy Gunning
    [email protected]

  17. This was the perfect lesson for me today! I spent most of my day yesterday and last night consumed with worry about something I’m not sure of and really have no control over. So, I gave it to the Lord this morning… and have found such peace… it’s in His hands… no better place to be!
    God Bless you and the work for our Lord that you do!

  18. I was hit the otherday with “unpeaceful” things and so I just turned around and prayed for each one. I was overcome with peace each time. The situations didn’t necessarily changed but I was blessed with peace and reminded of the joy He has given me.

    In His Graces~Pamela

  20. Thank you for sharing what God has taught you. I have had awful nightmares lately (prayers much appreciated) and today was especially horrible. I took that nightmare (worry) captive like a basesball and cast it away in Jesus’ name. Praise God for His mighty Word. And praise God for you Renee!
    [email protected]

  21. Perhaps no other verse in recent history has shaped my spiritual walk more than this one. I consider it a high and holy privilege to pray; I love to intercede for others, and I love taking God at his word…that in fact, when I do pray about everything with thanksgiving in my heart, he is faithful to walk through my closed door with his peace and his presence.

    Our God is so amazing. Who can fathom the depths of his love for us? Still and yet, we are given the joy of trying.

    Love you Renee. You are carrying the kingdom well. Shine on, precious friend and be the witness and evidence of things unseen–the sacred treasures of heaven.

    peace~elaine

  23. Hi Aunt Renee!

    I can be such a worrier – I am constantly trying to get myself de-stressed. Sometimes when I am driving (I do far too much of it!) I repeatedly go over all the things I need to do when I get home and I get fixated and overwhelmed that I won’t be able to complete everything I have planned for that evening. Lately I’ve been trying to turn that time to prayer and ask God to comfort me. It’s been helping me immensely!

    My favorite prayer to go is simple – Psalm 46: 10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

    Thanks for a great message!

    Tori

  24. Beautiful post. My mind is also a flurry of motion and longs for understanding. I am learning true trust and obedience as I still my busy mind and say yes to my good God without hesitation. That in itself is a miracle every time it happens!!! Love all the scriptures you chose. Thanks for walking this journey with me.

    Leah, how are you? I am keeping you close in my prayers. 🙂

    [email protected]

  25. I can really relate! And one thing that stopped me short was hearing years ago that the opposite of faith isn’t doubt but worry. Wow – how true that is. When I worry I’m saying I don’t have faith in God’s ability to handle the situation.

    Thanks for the great reminder.

  26. Oh Renee,

    This is so what I needed to hear today. STOP BEING SO WORRIED all the time. Give it to God, Give it to God. This is so easy to say and like you say so hard to do at times.
    I have often said that I just want to understand “the why”. Tonight I was telling my younger son he needed a haircut. His response “why, it really looks sweet”. I told him it was too long and in his face. But I like it like this he said. I told him it was getting cut and that was the end of it.
    Boy I am glad God doesn’t handle me like that. Sometimes I wonder if He will have a giant cup of coffee waiting for me so we can have a long talk when I get home.
    Thanks for the reminder,
    Blessings,
    Diane
    [email protected]

  27. Ok first I need to tell you how thrilled I am that you commented on my blog. Your blog was my inspiration to start blogging. Second “You will keep in perfect peace, (her) whose mind is steadfast, because (she) trusts in you.” Isaiah 24:4
    really speaks to me today. Thank you for your God inspired writing.

  28. Renee, how wonderful that you are teaching your son at an early age about his thoughts!

    Worry is like that thief in the night – it robs us of our joy and peace. Often when we worry we have wrong or untrue thoughts which most often leads to troubling emotions and feelings; we go down that path of despair all based on a untrue thought.

    What we tell ourselves comes from our brains “tape player” of sorts which holds all the beliefs, attitudes, and expectations that we have recorded during our life – some are truthful, some are lies. For example – “I’m no good… My future is hopeless… I must be perfect… I must have everyone’s love and approval… I can’t be happy unless things go my way” are a few of the lies we sometimes believe and thus interrupt our situation. Our feelings and emotions come from what we tell ourselves about our circumstances, in words or attitudes.

    Most of us are not taught to examine or think about our thoughts – to challenge them and see if that worrisome thought is actually true. The next step, should the thought be not totally true, is to replace it with a true and realistic statement (scripture works well). Essentially, renewing our minds requires that we look at our thoughts and feelings and examine them critically based on Scripture and reality. Let me add that it’s unrealistic to expect that we will catch or identify our thought distortions all the time; we’re just now perfect! I usually work on mine backwards; it dawns on me that something’s wrong (I identify the feeling or emotion), then trace back to the original thought or belief. Somedays realistic statements work well, other days I have my index card of scriptures.

    The Bible has much to say about our mind and thought process. I tend to rely on Phillipians 4:6-9, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 23:7.

  29. Thank you! When I read your post it reminded me of something my pastor said years ago, like a computer, input in, input out; garbage in, garbage out… so I tweaked it a little to fit me, fear creeps in, faith is shoved out! Can’t have both… ouch. Thank goodness for grace!
    [email protected]

  30. Oh My Goodness!! God is definitely great! I went to church last night, and what do you think the message was about?!? You guessed it…not worrying!

    I have been dealing with some things…may not be a matter of life and death, but as humans, we all have a tendancy to let worry consume us. What a great confirmation of what God desires otherwise!

    Thanks for sharing…sweet blessings!

    Samina
    [email protected]

  31. I inherited my tendency to worry from a long line of worriers…I mean generation after generation! So when I had my first child I purposed to “let it end with me!” I must admit I still struggle with my tendencies but when that happens I make sure to allow my kids to see me handing my worries over to God. Thanks for the reminder today!

    [email protected]

  32. I have been a worrier since I was a child myself. A learned habit that I am dying to get rid of. God is helping me deal with this is more way than one. I am thankful for his lessons.
    God has brought you into my life, even if it’s from a distance, you are there, encouraging me.
    My prayer for you is that God continue to heap his bountiful blessings upon you and your family.

    Thank you for being a servant,
    Melissa G
    [email protected]

  34. Ok first I need to tell you how thrilled I am that you commented on my blog. Your blog was my inspiration to start blogging. Second “You will keep in perfect peace, (her) whose mind is steadfast, because (she) trusts in you.” Isaiah 24:4
    really speaks to me today. Thank you for your God inspired writing.

  35. Renee, how wonderful that you are teaching your son at an early age about his thoughts!

    Worry is like that thief in the night – it robs us of our joy and peace. Often when we worry we have wrong or untrue thoughts which most often leads to troubling emotions and feelings; we go down that path of despair all based on a untrue thought.

    What we tell ourselves comes from our brains “tape player” of sorts which holds all the beliefs, attitudes, and expectations that we have recorded during our life – some are truthful, some are lies. For example – “I’m no good… My future is hopeless… I must be perfect… I must have everyone’s love and approval… I can’t be happy unless things go my way” are a few of the lies we sometimes believe and thus interrupt our situation. Our feelings and emotions come from what we tell ourselves about our circumstances, in words or attitudes.

    Most of us are not taught to examine or think about our thoughts – to challenge them and see if that worrisome thought is actually true. The next step, should the thought be not totally true, is to replace it with a true and realistic statement (scripture works well). Essentially, renewing our minds requires that we look at our thoughts and feelings and examine them critically based on Scripture and reality. Let me add that it’s unrealistic to expect that we will catch or identify our thought distortions all the time; we’re just now perfect! I usually work on mine backwards; it dawns on me that something’s wrong (I identify the feeling or emotion), then trace back to the original thought or belief. Somedays realistic statements work well, other days I have my index card of scriptures.

    The Bible has much to say about our mind and thought process. I tend to rely on Phillipians 4:6-9, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 23:7.

  36. I have some different verses posted throughout my house that help remind me of such things.
    Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything is posted on my bedroom mirror. I have a couple in my bathroom and a list on my fridge. I even keep one in my car. This is fairly new for me and I really like it. I am such a worry wort about everything and I’m learning to look to God for peace.
    Thanks for the post.

    [email protected]

  37. Renee, This is EXACTLY what I needed today as I ahve found myself in the pit of despair. I went online to check for a dreaded email that is going to bring my world crashing down around if what I suspect and WORRY about this situation is in fact the truth. As I went online to check for the email for probably the 100th time in the pat 24 hours, I decided to come here instead, not really sure why.

    Now after reading I know why and it was just what I needed. I think instead of checking my email right now I’m going to go get a cup of coffee and crack open my Bible that has unfortunately grown a bit dusty as of late with all my worrying and all.

    I suppose before I get that cup of coffee I should put on a video for my 4 kids 7 and under who I homeschool! Looks like school for the morining will consist of watching a video about David and Goliath!

    [email protected]

  38. Renee, thank you for the reminder and scripture to claim when thoughts of worry enter my mind. May I give it over to the Lord immediately so that peace can flow.

    Your posts are such an incredible blessing and God is using you to speak to me.

    Blessings to you,

    Caroline

    thegrossmans at carolina.rr.com

  39. Renee,

    Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog! It pretty much made my day 🙂 I’m gonna be praying about your book proposal – that the Lord’s encouragement is so much louder than the enemy’s attempts to make you doubt!

    Another wonderful post that grabbed my attention this morning, girl. I know those feelings all to well – the stirring in my heart, the tense neck, a busy mind. Worry does indeed stir up all of those things. The quote you shared by Linda Dillow is just perfect. What a wonderful way of thinking about it. I’m gonna carry that little treasure around with me and I think I am gonna post it on my blog. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful day!

    Blessings,
    Kate 🙂

  41. I really needed this today. I knew if I needed to get my act together but I just couldn’t get there. Thanks for directing me that way.

    And thanks for the comment last night. You made my evening!

  42. I used to worry about everything. I’ve been working very hard and worrying about nothing and praying about everything. Sometimes I forget but I’m gently reminded that He is always in control. What a wonderful relief! Here I thought I was supposed to be in control and I was messing up left and right. Once I let God be in control, not only did things get a lot easier to handle, but things started turning out better also.

    Thanks for your words of wisdom.

  43. Renee,
    This topic is so timely for me. God is really working on something here. I’m just not sure what yet! My husband and I have been talking a lot about worries and anxieties that others have requested prayer for recently, but we, ourselves, are not usually “worriers” by nature. Thank you so much for the encouragement and again I am going to recommend your blog to many friends who could use this message of God’s Truth!

  44. I have some cute little note cards with a little girl resting on the front that say, “A Little Piece of Quiet”. Oh how wonderful it is to enjoy, not only a peaceful environment, but a peaceful spirit.

    The verse the Lord spoke to me this morning as I spent time with Him was Ex. 14:13-14, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today…The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

    Ah…”calm”! Sometimes life is more chaos than calm, but the One who stills the wind and waves, can still the worries of my heart.

    The verse you closed with is one of the verses you personalized and gave me last year when I was consumed with fear. I held on to it as I answered God’s call to “Come fly with Me”. I did experience His “perfect peace”.

    Love, hugs and prayers,
    Joy
    PS. Thanks for your message last night – always a treat! I’ve been daily posting on my “other” blog, sharing how God is speaking to me each day from His Word, therefore “Ponderings” is a little lacking these days.

  45. Hi Renee!

    Decided to do my devotional time at the computer today, browsing the blogs for inspiration and godly wisdom. So glad I found you first.

    I just taught on peace in my class last night. It’s wonderful when God confirms His word through others.

    Hope you have a blessed and peace-full day, my dear friend!!

    Love,
    Sandy

  47. I can’t tell you just how perfect your timing is in these lessons lately. I’m having lots of trouble letting go of some things that I’ve been happening around me lately, and while they’re not all happening to me directly, they will affect my children in the future – and that has made it SO difficult to remain angry and anxious about those outcomes! Thank you for reminding me that I don’t need to worry about what happens – God has everything in control all the time.

    [email protected]

  48. This hits home for me so much. I am so prone to worrying. Today I will make an effort to stop and pray every time I start to worry about anything.

  49. Renee,
    This topic is so timely for me. God is really working on something here. I’m just not sure what yet! My husband and I have been talking a lot about worries and anxieties that others have requested prayer for recently, but we, ourselves, are not usually “worriers” by nature. Thank you so much for the encouragement and again I am going to recommend your blog to many friends who could use this message of God’s Truth!

  50. Hi Renee!

    Decided to do my devotional time at the computer today, browsing the blogs for inspiration and godly wisdom. So glad I found you first.

    I just taught on peace in my class last night. It’s wonderful when God confirms His word through others.

    Hope you have a blessed and peace-full day, my dear friend!!

    Love,
    Sandy