Calm My Anxious Heart

This semester, just like last semester, I have my wing small groups on Wednesday nights. In particular, I was so encouraged by our time last night! We are going through a book called Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. At first I thought this book was going to be about learning to not worry—which it sort of is—but it is actually more about learning to be content in ALL areas of life. The first chapter is absolutely incredible and such a good reminder to me! Here are some outlining thoughts of it.

1)When we are discontent, evidence of this will “leak out” from our hearts. It not only affects our demeanor, body language, speech, etc. but also affects the people around us. If we are always complaining about our circumstances, people will not want to be around us and—more importantly—we will be dishonoring the Lord by being ungrateful. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 the writer says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

2)The state of being content is a “holy habit” and something that needs to be established and consciously thought about. It is so easy to establish a negative pattern of complaining and worry without even thinking about it. How much harder is it to establish a good pattern of praising the Lord and finding joy in Him! This takes work and effort!

3)Perspective is everything! By definition, perspective is the ability to look at things in their TRUE relation of relative importance. For a believer, having an eternal perspective is key because it is adopting God’s way of seeing life. Remembering that God is in control and that He has a bigger and better plan than we do will help us trust Him.

4)The author talks about her friend’s mother—Ella. Ella was a missionary to a third world country and her “prescription for contentment” was found in one of her old journals. I thought it was amazing!!! Here it is:
a. NEVER allow yourself to complain about anything—not even the weather.
b. NEVER picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
c. NEVER compare your lot with another’s.
d. NEVER allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
e. NEVER dwell on tomorrow—remember that [tomorrow] is God’s, not ours.

5)When we remember that our tomorrow’s belong to God we can be free to live one day at a time. In the words of the famous philosopher…Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Today is the only thing we can do something about. This moment is the only thing we can do something about. How are we going to live it out and use it for the glory of God?

6)When we are internally content, it will “leak out” into our demeanor, actions, etc.

7)Do we possess a peace that is separate from our circumstances? TRUE CONTENTMENT is separate from our circumstances. It is a state of the heart and a state of being.

8) True contentment is rare yet precious. According to Paul it is learned! This means that it WILL take time to cultivate it! Praise the Lord that Philippians 4:13 tells us that the source of and strength of our contentment is God Himself.
a. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
b. Or another translation is: “I am strong for all things in the One who constantly infuses strength in me.”

9) To infuse is to pour, fill, soak, or extract. God infuses us with strength and this happens and takes place through meditating on the Word of God. When we are filling ourselves with God’s Word we are equipping ourselves to do battle against discontentment and worry.

10) Discontentment comes when we fail to trust God; we are believing the lie that we have a better way than God. When we push God to the side we are worshipping ourselves and telling God that He is insufficient for our needs and cares. Wow! How audacious is that thinking?!?!

11) God knows what is best for us. If He is not giving something to us when we want it, He is refraining from giving us something bad. He is being merciful to us! We need to remember Psalm 84:11 which tells us that God will not withhold any good things from those who are walking uprightly before Him. God promises to gives us that which He KNOWS is best and good for us.

12) Elisabeth Elliot said, “A quiet heart is content with what God gives.” We can know that He gives us His best and can rest in peace and contentment in that knowledge.

13) So, ultimately, contentment is “accepting God’s sovereign control over all of life’s circumstances.” It is letting go of our perceived control over our lives. It is letting God direct our lives. It is submitting our will to His and asking Him to change our desires.

I am so excited to continue this study with my girls!!! I know that I am going to learn a lot and I hope and pray that they will be learning lots too!