Hey Friends —

I’m not sure how this post finds you today–but I’m feeling exhausted, scattered, heavy-hearted and in need of a good sustainable plan.

The pace of our summer schedule makes me want to run — to Diet Coke, a latte, or something….something to take off “the edge,” the discomfort, the pressure.

Can you relate? (Please say I’m not the only one!)

When was the last time the pressures of your world made you want to run?

I’m mindful today of something God taught me years ago when I wanted to run to lesser things, or when I’m stressed out and overwhelmed and everything in me wants to drink a pot of coffee or eat something chocolatey or drown my sorrows in chips and salsa.

When my flesh wants to run to something, anything — this is what I’ve learned to do.  I wonder if might help you too.

It is based on Proverbs 18:10, which declares —

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the worries/stresses/”daily-ness” of life, here’s what I’ve found to do —

S – STOP

Maybe your kids are fighting, the dog is barking, your husband is coming home soon, the house is a mess, you’re still in your workout clothes, you don’t have dinner planned, the phone is ringing — get the idea?

Just stop.

Take a deep breath.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Stop.

A – ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR NEED FOR GOD.

Whether it’s through journaling, prayer, crying, whatever. Sometimes it may be throwing yourself on the bathroom floor (been there, done that) and telling the Lord you just can’t handle it anymore.

Or pray a Scripture. Psalm 86 works great.  (Why not grab your Bible and give it a try!)

F – FILL YOUR HEART AND MIND WITH GOD’S TRUTH.

• Lord You are Able to do all things 
• You make Beauty from ashes (I’ve got the ashes, help me to see the beauty!)
• You are Creator (You created these kids, you can make them behave!) 
• You are a Deliverer
• You are Enough. (I don’t need a Diet Coke or a latte or a big hunk o’ chocolate. You. are. enough.) 

Usually by the time I get to F or G as I’m focusing on the Names and the character of God, I start to feel His peace — but not always. I’ve been known to make it to Q or even Z on those hard days. 

Sometimes, I picture myself with an IV and I pray for a divine infusion. I love Phil 4:13 in the amplified Bible which reads…

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me – I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me…

• Infuse me with your power, and I think about how powerful He is
• Infuse me with your peace, and I think about He is the God of peace
• Infuse me with your patience, and I think about His patience
• Infuse me with your strength, and I think about how strong and mighty He is

However we can Fill our mind and heart with God’s Truth in the midst of our mess and mundane!

E – EXPECT GOD TO SHOW UP!

What a blessing to know that God always hears our prayers!  Even if we walk away “feeling” the same, the Truth is that God has heard you, He cares, and He will answer – He will show up!

So let’s be honest, after you pick yourself up off the bathroom floor….
Your kids may still be fighting, you’re still wearing workout clothes, your husband is now closer to home, and you still don’t have a dinner plan –

But by running to the Strong Tower, you will now have a peace, a strength, a sense of security that you wouldn’t have by running to Starbucks or a plate of chips and salsa! Guaranteed.

Perhaps the SAFE example will come to mind — it has helped me tremendously!

If you’d like a free downloadable color bookmark to hang around your home, you can print it off  here — Safe bookmark

May we be committed to turning/running to Him alone, and may He remove ANYTHING in our lives that is getting in the way of FULLNESS with Him!

How about you, friend? What have you learned about running to God vs. running to counterfeits and/or comforts? I’d love to hear from you!

Have a super, victorious week!

Sweet blessings,

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