PRAISE THE LORD!!

I suppose you are waiting patiently to find out about my Job Interview. There isn't a lot to tell. From the train to Scripture Union offices, I had a fall, which consequently led to a panic attack; but through the grace of God, as I walked into the interview, all the blood and fears had disappeared.

Unfortunately, although I felt the interview went quite well, I was told I lacked the confidence in my skills for the position. I guess this happens when you lose a job.

I have been a little mad with myself, because I didn't cope very well with this `rejection', even though they were positive and said I had a gentle nature and someday could be a good Chaplain. Consequently for the last week my depression was at an all time low, which as also led to a number of episodes of anxiety.

But, I was determined to leave last week behind me, and start anew. I started my week with my PRAYER, BIBLE READING AND PRAISE, along with a little exercise.

I began reading the book of Ezra, where we find the Israelities afraid and anxious as they attempt to return from exile to rebuild their temple.

"With praise and thanksgiving they sung to the Lord. `He is good;
His love to Israel endures forever.' All the people gave a great
shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the Lord was
laid." Ezra 3:11

This verse reminds me of my Dad. If you read my `In the Palm of His Hands' BLOG you will read a lot about my Dad - a wonderful man of God. After the death of his wife, (my Mum) he raised three little girls, pretty much on his own. Over those years, and for most of his life, he suffered from depression.

But it's not this that I remember most about my Dad, but it was his words of PRAISE. Whether it was at Church singing with gusto those wonderful hymns, speaking words of encouragement to a congegration of seeking people or simply moving through the day with words of prayer on his lips - he would always be PRAISING THE LORD.

In her book, "The Power of Praying through the Bible", Stormie Omartin reminds us:

"When you're struggling, doubting, fearful or feel like your foundation
has crumbled, don't ever underestimate the power of Praise! Don't
just think about it. Do it. Pull out all the stops. Make praise your first
response to fearful situations in your life. God wants us to praise Him
at all times, but especially when we are afraid or discouraged. When
we do, not only will He take away our fear, but He will give us joy."

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged, take heart.
Come let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together.
I prayed to the Lord and He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of
shame will darken their faces." (Psalm 34:1-5)

REMEMBER, FAITH, PRAYER, PRAISE and the WORD OF GOD will conquer your every fear.

PERFECT TRUST

Tomorrow I face a situation. Not a difficult situation, but for some reason for the last couple of days it has caused me to feel `sick' - you know the headache, stomach and muscle aches and the worst of all is these incontrollable shakes. I guess it could be the symptoms of flu, or it could just be fear.

I have a job interview!! Part of me is telling me not to stress - it doesn't matter whether I get it or not - that's in God's hands. The other part of me is feeling that same old `failure syndrome'. If I don't get it, what will people think of me - a failure again!! Part of me, still wants to be in control.

There are a number of things I do when I feel this way:

1) Pray- CLAIM GOD'S PRESENCE. That's number one of course. There is nothing more calming to the spirit than talking to the Father, telling God about my worry and leaving it with Him.

"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

2) Read. I go the Bible - RECOUNT GOD'S PROMISES.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

I am again reminded that I am to let God take the lead, to take over the controls.

"God will smooth out your path. He'll take away the obstacles. He'll take care of those barriers when you come to them. If you do your part - give Him the steering wheel and trust him to be in charge - He promises to make your path straight." (Charles Swindoll: "Perfect Trust", 2000, Thomas Nelson)

I remember the last time I went for a job as a Chaplain and God said `no, not now", I was comforted by the fact that I had been obedient, and this is what God had asked me to be. I walked in obedience, as best I understod it and followed his will. The failure still hurt at first, but it made it easier to except.

"God honours faith and obedience. When you trust Him completely, you will enjoy inner quietness and security. You will have a secure confidence that you are walking in His will. You will be surrounded by His peace." (Charles Swindoll: "Perfect Trust",2000, Thomas Nelson)

I AM FEELING BETTER ALREADY!!!

3. Listen to Music. PATIENCE. I know I should be listening to my Worship Songs - those great Hillsong hits - but I can't help it, I just love my Doug Horley (UK's favourite Children's Fun & Funky Worship for Kids).

Before I know it I am jumping around and dancing to those promises that God loves me, nothing is too big for His power, and my favourite at the moment, "You are Shaped for Serving God".

"If you walk like a model or walk with a waddle
You are, you are, you're God's indeed.
If you're very, very funny, or good at making money,
You are, you are God's indeed.

God had a brilliant plan when he created man
He knew just how each one would serve Him.
Wonderful indeed, gave you what you need,
To work on earth for Him.

You are shaped for serving God,
You are shaped for serving God,
You are shaped for serving God,
Holy, holy is His name.

If you laugh like a donkey
Or you're hairs a little wonkey
You are, you are, you're God's indeed.
If you're really good at caring
Or a little brave and daring
You are, you are, you are God's indeed.

If you're good at origami,
Or can make a great salami.
You are, you are, God's indeed.
If you're fast as a whippet
Or really good at cricket
You are, you are, God's indeed.

Doug Horley & Steve Whitehouse. (2005, Thankyou).

I AM READY TO FACE WHATEVER GOD HAS IN STORE FOR ME!!

Oh the shakes are still there, and the headache hasn't gone away, but I know that I am girded with the power of God, for I am ready to go forth in obedience to follow His will, and to face whatever He has in store for me. I have claimed God's presence, recounted his promises and now wait patiently on Him, trusting in His provision.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME!!