thank You for guarding my heart!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7. I'm really thankful that my heart and mind are guarded in someone that will always defend for me! Yes! This person is Christ Jesus! I am protected by Him and I really and truly feel this peace. For the past several years I realized that I'm attached to some things that are worth letting go - so I'm praying that what I cling to is no longer things of this world but to the cross; to Christ because He is the only person that can uphold me and make me stand firm in the midst of trials and sufferings. 

Just like in Simply Church service today, we sang "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman and "Cry in My Heart" by Starfield, and I felt so loved and comforted. Specifically, in "10,000 Reasons", the lyrics 'the sun comes up and it's a new day dawning, it's time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me - let me be singing when the evening comes.' These lines really resonate with me. Whatever may pass, I will still sing and rejoice. Whatever lies before me, I will still sing and rejoice. Listening to this, I was encouraged by God despite how I was feeling. I think something I struggled with last night while sleeping was how I always tell people yes, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - rejoice always, pray continuously and giving thanks in all circumstances - but you see, I couldn't even tell myself that! I could and did rejoice but it wasn't a true rejoice and giving thanks. So the battle I have now is to not be bitter about these things and not let satan take control over me, but instead, to run into Jesus' arms that is opened wide for me. Praise God, thank You so much!