homeostasis

The AP biology textbook that I use in my class defines homeostasis as "internal balance regardless of the external environment".  Every system, every organ, every cell in the human body is Divinely designed and programmed to maintain homeostasis.  If something knocks us out of homeostasis, our own body kicks in to restore it.  Absolutely amazing!

When I read "internal balance regardless of the external environment", the emotional part of me cried out for homeostasis too.  I had a time in March when my heart felt as though it was made of glass, fragile and easily shattered.  I knew then that something in me needed to change.  I cried out to God about my heart, and He showed me my heart made of strong muscle and held by His loving and protecting hands.  Jesus holds my heart...and He loves me and I trust Him.

I cannot control my "external environment".  I can only control the response that comes from inside me to maintain homeostasis.  I still feel disappointment, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, hurt, etc.  But, God is teaching me, and reminding me, to trust Him.  I choose my response.  I am learning to say, "Jesus, this situation makes me feel ______, and I can't do anything about it.  Will you please take care of it for me?  Thank you!"  Philippians 4:6-7 says, "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 and your minds in Christ Jesus".  It's a promise that God keeps.  Every time I pray that prayer, He gives me His peace...a peace that's beyond anything that I can understand.

I'll be practicing Philippians 4 for the rest of my life.  I want that to be my first response to every situation.  God's peace is my homeostasis!