Read Between the Lines

Read Between the Lines
Sunday, February 5, 2023 by Barbara E. Haley

What if we could read between the lines of our thoughts when we worry?

Might we discover that we worry because we don’t really believe God can handle things?

As I worked on my novel this week, I went back to review something I’d written in book one of the series: Biz On the Go!

Biz, our main character, is in a tough spot. She has just discovered disturbing news about her past that could seriously affect her current situation. She’s shaken and definitely worried about what to do next. A friend offers to visit, but Biz claims she’d rather be alone. Fiction, maybe. But we can all relate and learn from Biz’ ramblings.

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Truth was, I didn’t really want to be alone. I wanted to talk to God. I desperately needed to feel His strength and presence again tonight. Maybe hear His voice.

Curious to see what verse Olivia had written inside the journal she’d given me, I opened the cover and read her flowery handwriting.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

I laughed. Out. Loud. Do not be anxious about anything? That was the best God could do?

Lord,
Not so sure about this not being anxious suggestion after what I just learned—this new piece from my past. I want to give up the bitterness, but how is that possible? What is this peace You offer that goes beyond what I can understand? How do I find it?

I opened Grandpa’s Bible to read what came after Olivia’s verses.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Oh, my. I had to come up for air. This was a daunting checklist. I could never achieve this kind of control over my thoughts. I returned to my journal.

Okay, Lord. Now I’m feeling anxious about Your required thought list. This was supposed to be a verse on peace. Something has to be wrong here.

I read the verses again, aloud. Ah . . . I was supposed to pray when I was anxious. Seemed there were two conditions to finding God’s peace. I needed to guard my thoughts and pray instead of worrying. That made sense. Somehow, I needed to give my thoughts and worries to God.

I bring my thoughts to You, Lord. Please remind me to pray when I begin to worry or become angry. I know I’m powerless to change any of this, but You can do all things.

I shut the journal. Now all I needed to do was make some lists of those recommended thoughts and post them all over my silly house and car. I sensed a trickle of peace. My problems were in God’s hands instead of mine. If only I could leave them there.

Definitely food for thought, right?

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