Monday Minute with God: What I’m Learning by Deb Blackburn
He’s home! For so long, we’ve been praying for my husband to return from this last mobilization. It’s actually here. I’m happy and nervous and thankful and wary…all at the same time.
No matter how many times we transition, whether it is a TCS, PCS, separation or reunion, there are always expectations and challenges. Don’t get me wrong, I love the great moments that come with transitions, but those great moments don’t come alone.
Our family knows the experience of being separated, and each reunion is different. There’s lots of excitement, but there’s also lot’s of stress and challenge.
Trying to mesh multiple lives back together takes effort.
What I’m Learning
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”–Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.–Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
“If you focus on the storm, you may miss the savior!” (Pastor P, PCS Ministries)
Scrolling my Facebook feed, this quote captured my attention. Wow – how I needed to hear that! I was in the middle of that crazy kind of day that comes with family and reintegration…
Turmoil was hitting me from multiple directions, and life was getting messier by the moment. As I read this quote, my internal storm of emotions settled. Changing my perspective, I focused on Christ, rather than the conflict around me. Peaceful and calm, I remembered to trust God.
When I changed my focus, an amazing thing happened: I was free to enjoy the moment with gratitude. Trusting God reframed the stress of transition in the context of the blessing of having my husband return.
Think About It
When we decide to follow God, we don’t sign up for easy. We aren’t in control and we don’t know what the future holds (sounds like choosing to live the military life doesn’t it?). Following God doesn’t make everything perfect, and we will see stressful times.
It’s easy to lose sight of God’s faithfulness in difficult transitions or challenging experiences. Seeing this quote reminded me to rely on God in my challenge rather than worry about how I thought it would work out (leaning on my own understanding).
God leveled my emotions and helped me to think straight when I remembered to trust rather than be grouchy about the stress. When we are having one of those overwhelming and crazy days, this is so important to remember.
He is with us every day; when we’re training, shopping a crowded commissary with sick kids, or waiting for orders or promotion results. No matter what challenge we face, Christ is with us ALWAYS!
He may not immediately answer our questions, but He will straighten our paths when we trust. It takes courage to be sure of this, deep in your heart, especially when it is hard to see where the path leads.
How many times have you worried about a deployment or move and realized, after it was over, that you learned amazing things?
How I’m Learning
Set my mind on God with visible reminders. To keep God’s word in my mind throughout the day, I write verses and reminders and place them around the house. I love sticky notes! Visible reminders, the printable scripture cards under the resource tab are another great tool I use to keep my mind set on God.
Listen to Christian music. Listening to Christian music during my day helps me to set my mind on Christ. I have Christian music on my phone, in my car… you get the idea! Have you heard the song, “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle? Music reminds me to trust God, keeping my attention on His presence.
How do you help yourself to focus on trusting him?
All In
It takes courage, but we can choose to trust in God.
Let’s be all in as we set our minds on the truths of God, rather than our daily challenges. When we place our attention on Him instead of our circumstances, we can experience freedom, thankfulness, satisfaction and purpose. Choosing to trust God, we will discover joy and possibilities even in the midst of stressful situations. Set your mind on God rather than the problem, trusting Him each day.
It takes courage, but we can choose to trust in Him.
Pray About It
Dear Lord, help us remember that You are always with us. Remind us to set our mind on You. It’s so easy to react with emotions rather than respond with faith when stressful situations arise. Give us the courage to trust You in every circumstance.
Deb Blackburn is a thankful Army Reserve spouse. Along with her husband and two sons, she’s currently planted in Colorado. She loves coffee, tea and spending time outside. Her prayer for military women is that we all discover God’s hope, joy, and direction to thrive in this amazing life.
Join our Monday Periscope at 4pm.
On our Monday Minute Periscope, we talk more in depth about the topic on our Monday blog. Chatting about scripture, military life, and practical ways to understand God’s word. Catch us on Mondays at 4pm EST. Or catch the replay on our FB page.
