Take Me Away

As I stepped into the shower this morning, the phrase “Calgon take me away” was running through my mind.

How many of you remember that television commercial? The makers of the bubble bath promised to bring us relaxation and calmness as its soothing scent infused in the hot water made our minds drift away to another place far from all our troubles. In our Calgon moment, all our anxieties would be gone and only comfort and peace would remain.

I sighed. If only it were that simple.

Then, as my thoughts continued to swirl through the shower’s steam I wondered, “Could it be that simple?” Was there some way to have peace in this turbulent time?

Life had been pretty complicated recently and the stresses and worries I felt seemed to consume me. The valley I was in didn’t appear to have an end, or even a way out that I could see. And, nothing seemed to bring me any closer to a resolution. I know we are to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. (1 peter 5:7), and I had been. My daily prayers had been deep and sincere, and yet, the weight on my shoulders remained. Was I missing something?

“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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Yes - I had prayed. I was thankful. I had trusted. And, I had faith…

But, the heaviness remained.

I thought back over other times in my life when I had faced difficulties and pain. God had always been faithful. He had always brought me through the trials before me and as He had, He strengthened, comforted and grew me. There was nothing in His character to say that He wouldn’t do that again – God is always faithful! But what, besides praying could I do now?

Then, the great literary word that segues to the finale of a story came to mind: “Finally.”

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Paul wrapped up his letter to the Philippians with wonderful advice. After we have prayed and given our worries to God, we are to think about all that is good! We are not to keep focusing on our troubles, as that would just bring us back to worrying, increasing our anxiety and lack of peace. We are to place our fears and concerns at Jesus’ feet, trusting Him, and then continue to move forward!

So today, as I trust God for His resolution, I am picking myself up and shaking off the burden of worry. I am looking to all that is good, including and especially God Himself! Being thankful for all He has done in my life, I am celebrating the blessings and joys of my day. And as I press forward, knowing that God is working on my behalf, I can enjoy my own personal Calgon moment - the peace that only Jesus can give.

Secure in Hope,


“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

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