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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20 Comments

  1. I do remember the Calgon commercial. I also love the connection you make to real life. God is the peace that we seek when taking a bubble bath but really He is the peace we seek always. So glad to see you writing. ��

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    1. Oh yes, and His peace is better than any other! Thanks for stopping by, Mary! I appreciate your encouragement! Blessings!

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  2. I hear you Jo, there are times in our lives that the heaviness seems to just linger. Then Jesus steps in & we finally allow Him to take us away on a retreat with Him & the heaviness lifts.

    You are most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
    Blessings,
    Jennifer

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    1. Yes, and I am thankful that He always does step in! His timing is always perfect even if I don't understand it at first... Blessings!

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  3. Amen!
    What a good word!
    Press on - trusting Him completely.
    I found your post on Blessing Bloggers FB group.
    Hope you have a blessed day~
    Melanie

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    1. Thanks for hopping over from Deb's Blessing Bloggers group! I'm so glad to have you here! Yes, press on... It can be difficult to keep the focus on good things when our lives are in the middle of turmoil, however, when we do, our outlook on every part of our life is better!

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  4. Calgon, take me away. Yes, I'm old enough to remember that too. It's amazing how easily it stuck! ha. So grateful that Jesus offers a more permanent peace than Calgon did. Thanks for sharing this, Jo.

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    1. Oh! You brought up a great point that I completely overlooked in my post! Jesus' peace is permanent while Calgon's disappears once the water goes down the drain! All we have to do is continue to look to Him! Thanks for stopping by, Lisa! Blessings!

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  5. I do remember the Calgon take me away commercials. I sometimes feel like that too...I need a blissful soak in a hot tub, preferable surrounded with candles and maybe a glass of bubbles in my hand. Then I look around at my life and realize I am pretty lucky, if I just take the time to think about it. God does give us perfect love and peace. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post!

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    1. Yes, taking time to stop and actually look at our blessings is such a gift! Blessings!

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  6. Great reminder to trust God in all things!

    Although, a great bath sounds heavenly right now!

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  7. What a great encouragement, Jo! I've been there, too. The power of praise never ceases to amaze me. When I'm in those moments and I manage to remind myself to "think on these things", I turn on some worship music and lift my eyes to Jesus and the heaviness lifts. "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3) He is so good!

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    1. Today I've been keeping the praise music on every time I'm in the car (and I've been driving a lot today!) It really does lift my spirits and help me to feel even more connected to Jesus! Blessings!

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  8. I remember that TV commercial, am I showing my age? LOL " The valley I was in didn’t appear to have an end, or even a way out that I could see." I love Philippians 4:6-7! These are verses I repeat over and over to myself when anxiety and worry set in like a bad winter storm. Thanks for posting. This was encouraging! Pinned :) Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

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    1. Hi Patsy! Nah... you and I just remember the commercial from when we were very tiny children, right? LOL But, yes, Philippians is full of wonderful encouragement! I'm so glad my post encouraged you today as well!

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  9. I find it so much easier to have hope and keep stress-free if I stay away from news and toxic social media encounters--in other words, if I focus on what is good and true and pure :).

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    1. You are so right, Anita! I want to know what is going on, however, if I stay glued to the news and other extremely negative areas of media I get pretty low. It is always better to focus on that is positive and uplifting! Blessings!

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  10. Calgon can never take away what He can, so thankful, He allows us to cast our cares on Him.

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    1. That's right! Calgon can only calm a moment, but God can give us everlasting peace! Blessings!

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