"Do Not Be Anxious About Anything..."

Philippians 4:6-7:  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.

I think the verse above was written for me. :) Honestly, if I had a theme verse in the Bible that God constantly speaks to me through and that I try to meditate on, it is Philippians 4:6-7. It helps me immediately put things back into perspective, give things over to God, and feel like I don't have to take on all of the worries by myself. Of course, like anyone, I sometimes forget this verse and the peace that God has promised. I am not really referring to being anxious about giving birth right now, but I guess it could be applied that area in my life as well. :)

Last year when I finally gave control over to God regarding "my timeline" (and we consequently immediately got pregnant), the Holy Spirit really spoke to me through this verse. I was also comforted knowing God's promise that He will provide our daily bread. One of my fears about starting a family was not working - and all that entails. Not having that community, not fulfilling that desire in my heart to teach kids music, and not contributing financially. Justin and I had prayed a lot about this, but I knew it was something that I had to give over to God. Until then, I wouldn't have peace. 

I honestly remember when the peace that Philippians 4:7 talks about washed over me and God assured me that once again He would provide my daily bread. I am so quick to become anxious and start trying to "plan" my life. Even when He has shown me over and over and over again how sovereign and faithful He is. 

Anyway, lately I have had those anxieties again regarding our switch to one income. This was a decision I made for our family not to work and one that I am very happy with. However, moving from two incomes to 'one income with the government paying for our housing '(last year) to 'one income without that assistance' is a little difficult for my brain to wrap around if I am not relying on God. I know this is a trust issue for me and I know in my heart that God will provide, it is just that my brain tends to get in the way. 

I have been working really hard at building a horn studio lately. This will provide the necessary supplemental income for Justin and I, as well as give me interaction with students. It will actually work out really well in our schedule, as Ellie will be able to be with Justin or my mother-in-law (or mom when she can get off work) when I am teaching. Perfect! Unfortunately, building a private studio takes time and patience...something I am not good at! I have been starting to worry about money (again) and become pretty anxious about it. I know it will work out eventually, I just want it now!

In order to combat this anxiety, this verse was once again laid in my heart. Justin and I have been praying diligently about this and trying really hard to trust in God, even when it may make sense to freak out. Guess what, God just answered our prayer and provided our "daily bread" to help us make it through October. This is a MAJOR answer to prayer, as I won't be teaching in October in order to get used to being a mom. :) When we learned of this, both of us were once again amazed at how faithful God is. He promised from the beginning to provide, yet we (and really, that means me!) are so quick to try to take things over ourselves - thinking (for some bizarre reason) that we know better. Anyway, God is good and faithful!

I hope that this can provide some encouragement to someone out there. Sorry it is so long, I just really felt I needed to share it on here today. Have a wonderful day!