Wouldn't It Be Nice?

Wouldn't it be nice if God worked on our timetable? Sometimes, I think, "God, seriously, if you'd just do [fill in the blank], fix [fill in the blank] in my life... honestly, if you'd just answer these questions, or tell me about that point in the future... it would make this whole 'being content' and 'not worrying' stuff a lot easier." Really, who hasn't thought that?
I think in the past couple of months, God has been teaching me a lot about patience and contentment at NOT knowing stuff. And, wouldn't you know, the exact OPPOSITE is true of the above thoughts. I've felt more freedom, more joy, more focus. What are some of the things I sit around thinking about? Well...
graduate school, conflict and confrontation with others, friendships, sleep, assignments and due dates, failure and burdening others, relationships and marriage...
When I stop focusing on these things it actually frees me up to focus on God more. I ran across this verse today, and although I'm pretty sure it's been quoted a bajillion times, have you ever thought about it like this:

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts."

In most Bible studies and even sermons I've heard, many point out verse 6, where we're supposed to "take everything to God." Okay, but stop. Wait a minute. How many of us read, and comprehend these two verses all the way to the end? Notice that it also says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts." We talk about God giving us peace if we take things to Him, but how many of us have really understood the last part that the peace which ONLY comes from Him will guard our hearts?
So, by praying to God and presenting it before Him, I can allow Him to speak to me about what's going on in life, and what I'm worried about, and give me His peace. This peace will guard my heart from worrying about the things of life, which leaves an open door for Satan to wreck my life with lies and temptations. I've thought so much about Proverbs 4:23, which talks about guarding your heart, especially when it comes to relationships with guys. That usually includes me consciously (and sometimes constantly) paying attention to what I'm saying, how I'm acting, etc. But, according to Philippians, if I just pray and talk to God about those relationships, and give it up to Him, He will give me peace about these areas of life, which will guard my heart. This points out, even more, to me how important communication with God is.

Along with this, I have to actually TRUST God that He's going to come through for me with these things I'm giving to Him "by prayer and petition." I have to trust that He will give me the Godly desires of my heart that I sometimes worry and wonder about. But again, I have to remember: God doesn't work on my timetable. However, if I have the peace of God, and am content with not knowing about the future, etc. and where I am in life, then I am able to TRUST and WAIT on God for His answers. Like that song from Enter the Worship Circle says,

"Wait on the Lord, O my soul, be strong and take heart, be strong, and wait upon the Lord."

(I'm including it, because, ironically enough, as I was writing the first part of this, that song came on my iTunes)

So, as I'm learning to live a healthier life, God has really been showing me in the last few months, that being content with not knowing this second everything He's going to do in my life, how I'm going to get everything done, or what others are thinking, is ultimately going to bring me more peace and guard my heart against the lies and temptations of Satan, and help me live with more joy, freedom, and focus in Him. Or, in short, when I worry, I need to, as the sign above says:

"Stop. Collaborate with God. Then listen to His truth and peace."(see, there was a point to that most epic stop sign all along)

Fun Fact: I still don't understand this "Silly Band" craze. I found one in the dining room the other day. It's in the shape of a rabbit. It's on my wrist right now. I still don't know why. Explanations welcome.