Heavy heart solution

The alarm clock rings and I get up. I think about urgent matters in my mind. There are often multiple problems to be solved. Yes, they are all on my to-do list. There's also a to-do list that is written in my heart. 

The items are circumstances that I can't solve myself. People who need healing. Circumstances beyond my control. If I could, I would have solved these matters myself. But there I am, helpless despite them. 

When I go to social media, I feel worse. The constant staring at the screen gives me headaches. The comparison with the latest highlight reel leaves me lacking. I know I shouldn't but sometimes, that immediate relief from my problems seems to be the right thing to do. 

God's wisdom is greater than men's worldly solutions. I go to God's word. Only God can help me with hope. 

This morning, as my coffee was brewing, I read:

"I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart." Psalm 119:31-32 (NIV) 

I thought, "what a marvelous solution. Instead of constantly thinking about my problems, I will think about God's words." 

So I did. I thought about what it means to trust God, despite the impossible nature of my problems. This very thought gave me peace. 

When I was obsessed with my problems, my heart grew small. It literally made me feel weak. The psalmist is telling God "I will literally run the path of your commandments. You make my heart big." 

A big heart is what I get when I trust God. I know I can't trust what I don't fully know. Therefore I am committed to immersing myself in the words of life (the Bible).

The last time I immersed myself in a pool, I got all wet. When I fully immerse myself in the Bible, I do the following:

Sunday:
I leave my phone alone and I pay attention to what the pastor is preaching. 
I take good sermon notes.
Monday-Saturday:
I revisit the sermon notes and I think about how I can apply them to my life.
I make a commitment to apply what I learned that week.
I study the Bible. My favorite place is www.merryministries.com
I read the Bible. I am currently following a "Bible in One Year" plan.
I talk about what I am learning with family and friends. 
I commit not to be a secret agent for the Lord. The words I read and study are shared out loud, naturally because they are my very life. 

I'm not sure if like me, you woke up with a small, worried heart. 
I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to stay that way.

Give God your full attention this very day as you immerse yourself in the Bible.

Prayer: Lord, I come to you with my worries and concerns. I am lost without you. Forgive me for leaning unto my own understanding. In all my ways, I acknowledge you. I know you will direct my paths. I ask this in Jesus' name.

Action step: Set aside 15 minutes to read your Bible and to think about what you read.