My brain, the jukebox

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love music. I usually have something playing at my desk at work or on my phone or ipod. (Right now I'm listening to Michael W. Smith's instrumental album, "Freedom." It's one of my favorites that I used to listen to while I journaled in college.) [side note: just realized this album is almost 12 years old. Yikes!] The past few days, I've realized that whether the music is playing around me or not, I always have a song in my head. It is so important for me to make sure that the song in my head is one that is uplifting and God-honoring. The song that have been on my short playlist the last two weeks are as follows:

"Restless" by Audrey Assad
"Grace" by Laura Story
"Perfect Peace" by Laura Story
"The Reckoning (How Long)" by Andrew Peterson

The lyrics to these songs are so encouraging to me. I struggle so much with my restless heart and am longing to truly rest in the grace that has been offered to me. My prayer for the year has been Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV):

⁶  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (source)

 I have to be intentional in this. This is why I struggle so much. When "life" starts happening, when there is laundry to be done, dishes to wash, dinner to make, dogs to feed, when Ben has to work the night shift and I'm left home by myself with the puppies, my intentionality goes out the window! I shift into "just get by" mode. I wasn't made to "just get by!" I was made to thrive in Him. I was made to REST in Him! And so, I lay there at night and listen to the jukebox in my brain, reminding me that "I am restless 'til I rest in you, O God." Reminding me that He says "I will give you perfect peace," and that "My child, I love you. And as long as you're seeking My face, you'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace." And knowing that someday He will come to take home His own. These are my comforts. He is my comfort.

Would you pray that I continue to rest in Him? What are the things that keep you from resting in the promises that you know to be true?

Until next time,

Go under the mercy.