I could be wrong, but I think you and I are aligned in some of our patterns. It’s April, and you have some goals and results you expected to achieve by this time of the year. Despite understanding that life throws things at us that we cannot control, subconsciously, you may have dismissed that notion and put unnecessary pressure on yourself, and it’s threatening your peace. 

Let’s nip this spiritual attack in the bud. In January, we discussed allowing God to write all the chapters of this year. Reflect on the relief you felt when you decided to let God handle the hard stuff so you can focus on obeying, abiding and being. Nothing has changed, and what’s for you will not miss you. I want to give you some scriptures to keep close as we start Q2:

Jeremiah 17:7-8

These verses can serve as a foundational scripture for you to lean on when overthinking and self doubt try to creep in. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

If God made you a promise or revealed a vision, He will see it through to completion (Php. 1:6). The issue society consistently battles is trusting what He said. If you read verses 5-6, it clearly outlines what happens if you trust in man instead – you are cursed and unfruitful. And that includes yourself. You don’t have the all-knowing authority that God does, so it’s vital and wise to let Him lead your life. When you do, you will be like a well-watered tree, with strength in times of inevitable crisis. 

Psalm 1:1-3

God has numerous parallel scriptures. It’s like He knows we need repetition to get it, right? These verses pair well with the previous one and add the element of not walking the same path as nonbelievers and those still lost.  

You’ve already chosen the less common path by surrendering your business to the Lord rather than to strategies, analytics, coaches or emotional decisions. 

Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”

God is telling His children that trusting Him guarantees prosperity! It can’t be more simply stated than that. Simultaneously, He still understands and is patient as we deny our flesh to follow Him, so use this scripture to keep you rooted when you are tempted and surrounded by others who don’t listen to or discredit God’s truth. The more you delight in God’s presence, the more fruitful you will be. 

Matthew 13: 1-23

Every time I come across this powerful parable, I fervently pray to be effective. If you’ve never read the parable of the four soils, it’s an awakening opportunity to stay aware of where you land. Remember, you are fighting spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12), and as you consecrate and transform, there will be attempts to make you futile. Jesus explained the four soils as four types of people when they hear the Word: 

1. The Word is immediately snatched from their mind by the evil one.
2. The Word gives them joy but does not take root in their heart and withers away.
3. The Word doesn’t move them because their worries about life overcrowd their mind. 
4. The Word penetrates their heart and transforms their ways of life, making them fruitful. 

Where do you want to be? Don’t allow busyness, worries and the desire to make more money or acquire more things distract you from what matters eternally. You can’t take any of it with you, and your short time on Earth cannot compare to what’s next. So, store up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6: 20) with the impact your business makes on others and stay rooted in what you were put here to do. You are on pace. I have faith in you. 

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women and girls accept who they are. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & Pinterest: @perennialpeaces.