Subscription Lists
10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
Each fall at our elementary school go we through fire safety rules and practice them. One the Kindergarten kids really take to is Stop, Drop and Roll. We explain to them that even though they might be scared if they are ever in a situation where their clothes are on fire, instead of running they must stop where they are, drop to the ground and roll around to put out the flames.
For some reason this mantra popped into my head during a particularly stressful week and I thought, "Why am I running from my fears and problems? I need to stop right where I am, drop to my knees and pray." Even if this is done figuratively, the point is instead of stewing and stressing I need to take my concerns directly to someone who can do something about them.
It's so easy to sit and worry over problems, big and small, or to pull a Scarlett O'Hara and "think about that tomorrow". Yet God is there waiting to smother the flames of insecurity and cool the heat of a raging indignation.
The words of Jesus as recorded by Mark in Chapter 11 tell us, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to the mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
God may not land me in a lucrative job or melt 15 pounds off my thighs in a week, but he will sooth my sorrow and calm my anger, turn mourning into dancing and bring peace.
Weekly Safety Tip: Stop, Drop and Pray
Rate it:
a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "10 Minutes Peace" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.