4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
You know that “back to school” feeling? A million questions run through your mind such as “Am I ready for school?, Do I have all the right supplies?, and Will I have any friends?” We have all experienced those feelings many times. Now imagine you are a teacher, which I am honored to be, and magnify those feelings 100 times. Add to that a stomach that is churning with nervousness, school dreams which started back in July and frustrations due to variables at school that are out of my control.That sums up the back to school jitters that came slamming full force today.
Overwhelmed…
Out of control…
Train wreck waiting to happen…
Feelings that were waiting to consume me and rule me rather than vice versa that is until God helped me press “pause” and provided me with a glimpse into what He had to offer instead. God spoke words into my war-torn heart and these words became a salve to my wounds.
Reset…
Refocus…
Release…
Remain…
RESET your emotions and mind away from the challenges and frustrations that consume you and allow God’s peace to take hold and fill your entire being.
REFOCUS and adjust your thinking to what is truly important and what you are able to control with God’s help. Use the time provided by pressing the “pause” button to change your focus because it enables you to change everything.
RELEASE the negative energy that is surrounding you and which Satan would give anything for you to continue to grasp like a thin thread which can’t possibly hold you. Open your palms – face up and release all to God. Pray that His peace enters to fill the void emptied when all the uncontrollable feelings left. Our life is God’s prayer and this is what he gives to us…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
REMAIN in God throughout your whole day. Taking your eyes off Him even for a split second can cause turmoil, frustration and anxiety due to that quick glance in another direction. Hold tight to John 15:4 and remember that the branches cannot survive without the vine. God is our vine and we are connected to Him as the branches. Our sustenance comes from God, the vine, and without Him we will wither and die.
When I look elsewhere for advice, comfort and life, it always falls short of the capacity of God’s love and sustenance. Live fully, release your cares to God and remain in Him daily to receive the nourishment you need to survive each day.
What will you release to God today? How will you remain in Him?
Linking up with:
Also hopping with the Proverbs 31 Ministries Blog Hop!!!
I needed this today. I am a working mother of 3 under the age of 9 and in a tough marriage. One of my children has some learning challenges. Everything feels messy and unsettled. I write my prayers rather than speak them- they feel more real to me that way. I opened Pinterest this morning (which is always my starting point for devotions and I let it lead me to scripture – who ever thought!) and there you were with your message pointing to peace. Thank you for sharing what God put on your heart. I’m in such turmoil but I found such comfort in this 😉
Keep writing your prayers, my friend! I will be praying for you for peace, understanding and strength. Thank you for stopping by!
Great thoughts and such wisdom, Mary. I love all the points but especially like “Remain.” That’s my challenge each day too … to remain in Him. Thanks for linking this up at Wedded Wed, my friend!
I pray that we both lean into our Lord and remain in Him through all. Thank you for the opportunity to link up. Blessings!
HI Mary – I love it when God answers prayers using a friend as the delivering vessel! Your message is exactly what my heart needs. I don’t have the responsibilities of a classroom teacher, so my preparation is not as involved. However, I have been experiencing those feelings of not being ready and the upset stomach that comes with the anticipation of doing what is best for the benefit of the children I will tutor. Add that to all of the other concerns that are heavy on my heart, and, well, you know how I feel. It is with gratitude and grace that I say “thank you” for sharing your hearts’ anxieties and for offering the solution to having those anxieties lifted and cared for by our Lord and Savior. You are an amazing child of God, friend and teacher and I am confident that all of the details will come together for this school year. See you soon.
Love and prayers,
Karen S,
Your heart for the kids is so evident and i know that God will give us what we need, when we need it. I can’t wait to share “kid” stories with you.
Oh my stars – yes! Those back to school jitters, as a teacher, can be overwhelming. Thank you for the encouragement to recenter on the Rock and stand amazed as he uses your Yes to accomplish His will this school year.
Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you today!