In the article “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today” by Jennifer Rainey Marquez in Good Housekeeping, her word for the letter b is bake. She states that baking is emotionally therapeutic.

Okay, I struggle with the whole baking thing in this high altitude, high desert climate. I just can’t seem to get the hang of it. So instead of emotionally therapeutic for me, it frustrates me and I have given up. I’m a failure at baking here in Colorado. This doesn’t quite fit into the whole “happiness booster” idea does it?

What I can relate to is the poor woman in 1 Kings 17 who had become a wonderful baker. She had lived her life baking delicious bread for her husband and her young son. One day her husband died, leaving behind a widow and orphan…and a small jug of oil and a handful of flour.

On the morning of her encounter with the prophet Elijah, she recalls the schedule of her day to him. “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in the jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (1 Kings 17:12 – NIV)

I can’t even imagine how discouraged this woman was. She had done her best. She had given her all. And the small amount of nourishment she had was now asked to be given to another. But that is exactly what Elijah requested.

Take a look at his words. “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.” (1 Kings 17:13 – NIV) In the midst of our discouragement, fear takes over. We sometimes can’t even know where to begin. But I believe when we drive fear out, we are able to make a good start at dispelling discouragement and improving our attitude.

This was a huge ask for this widow. To put someone else above the only person she loved more than herself. But that was exactly what God asked of her. And in her obedience, God supplied her needs with a never-ending supply of oil and flour. She, her son and Elijah would be nourished until the rains returned and the land was bountiful again.

There was no need for her to worry. There was no need for her to be fearful. All she needed to do was trust God.

I know it can be difficult for us to put this much trust in God. We worry. We are afraid. But when we do, God will lavish His bountiful graciousness upon us. So take this step toward your attitude adjustment today. Trust God. Trust God with what you can today. Tomorrow you may be able to give Him a little more and the next day, even more. Believe what He says. Trust what He is able to do. Watch how He is able to transform your attitude from fear and worry to freedom.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna