I recently took on a challenge after listening to a sermon on Fear vs. Faith. I think the challenge was a bit of a stretch when the pastor was talking, but I love a good challenge! I struggle with anxiety when the world is at peace with no global pandemics! So, as you can imagine, I am struggling to take ownership of the peace that is mine in Christ Jesus. So, I took a dry erase marker and counted down the days to Easter on my bathroom mirror, as a reminder that is constantly in my face of my goal until Easter.
THE GOAL?
When fearful thoughts of a circumstance, of which I cannot control the outcome, pop into my mind, I give myself permission to let it go and not think about it. At first it was difficult as I would forget about my decision to let myself be free of fear of a circumstance I cannot control. Yet, as I kept reminders in my face of my decision it would become easier to remember that no matter what begins to pop up in mind, I can choose whether to interact with that thought.
WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?
I do choose to interact with it a bit because I feel it is important to recognize what I am feeling and allow myself to feel it. Yet, that’s different from what I used to do. I used to ruminate. I used to mull it over, and over, and over, and over. It gave me a sense of control. At least I felt like I was doing something about it, right? But that sense of control was false. It was a false comfort that allowed me to hold my heart back from the interdependence on God because I can’t control Him! When I faced that truth, it was very liberating to confess that ultimately, I am struggling to trust God. Exhale! Because you know what, He knows I am struggling to trust Him! He is not surprised by my struggle, nor disappointed by it.
I honestly think my confession to Him, of which He already knows and has convicted me to confess, pleases Him. It means I am living life fully sober. In the true reality of the state of my heart. It is only when you are really facing the truth that solutions begin to present themselves.
The Word tells me, “Then You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). He says this in context of following His teaching, knowing He is who He says He is. Only when I recognize His divinity, and my need for Him, that I begin to cultivate trust in Him to provide for my needs. Including my need for safety and peace. A right posture of the heart is the beginning of transformation. For me, that means when I process the truth, even if that truth is hard to process, I begin to feel a weight lift as I look to God to provide for my need in that truth.
STRENGTHEN YOUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL POSTURE
1. INHALE – Physically: Breath deep and fully. It is important to supply your body with the oxygen it needs while exercising. Spiritually: Like your lungs, let your mind repeatedly and deeply draw in the meaning of a Bible passage or two while you stretch or exercise.
2. REACH – Physically: Fully lengthen your body to elongate your posture. Spiritually: Take time to stretch yourself to help someone and extend compassion in ways you’ve not previously done.
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