What Do I Do With This Anxiety?!

 I was listening to a podcast recently and the Holy Spirit shifted my thought process in a profound way.

The teacher being interviewed grew up in church doing all the "right" things. As an adult, she has faced some significant loss. She was talking about how anxiety and insecurity are problems for most of us. Then she shared this thought:  what if when you feel anxious or insecure, that is actually an invitation from the Holy Spirit?

The next thing that came to my mind was the Lord saying to me: "Come to Me."

That thought! So simple but seemingly difficult.  I WANT to bring ALL of my thoughts of not being enough or being unlovable, or unvalued, to Him. To replace those thoughts with: "My Father wants me, loves me, values me."  He wants to spend time with me!  And you!  

Oh, what a wonderful Truth! I am loved with an everlasting love! AND SO ARE YOU!  Holy Spirit, teach us to sift our thoughts and internal dialogue through You--to accept Your invitation and hear what you have to say about it.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this tender and loving image. Unfortunately, many times I allow anxious thoughts and insecurity to spiral and take me to some desperate places.  Forgive me, Lord, for believing the lies and giving them my time and attention.  I may think or feel that I am unworthy but You say otherwise. Help me, Holy Spirit, to come to You and cling to that Truth.  And help me to be faithful in telling others this good news. Thank you for constantly inviting me into Your Presence where healing and restoration can take place.  You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory! Praise Your holy name!  Amen.

"...Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."  ~ Jeremiah 31:3

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"  ~ Philippians 4:6

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:2

Conformed or Transformed?

For a while now, I have been mulling over the way that we, as a culture, want to label everything and everyone.  I'm not just talking about the labels we put on people for their choices or politics but also about a diagnosis or condition that makes people different for some reason or another.  Are you defined by that diagnosis or your past experiences?  Even though this practice has long been common, it has agitated me for some time.  Why do we have to do that?!  I’ve come to believe that the Enemy loves to use labels.  Why? I believe it’s because he loves to limit us or distract us from fully realizing our God-given identity. 

As I’ve thought about that, I wonder why WE find labels so appealing?  Do we love it because it keeps us organized into neat little categories?  Or does it give us something to obsess about?  Does is comfort us to have a label for everything and everyone? 

Or does it provide us an excuse from the responsibility of being accountable or being a good steward of what God has entrusted us with?  Let's dig in:  Does it give the enemy a way to condemn us for not measuring up?  We find ourselves saying: “well, this is just the way I am” or “I’m not good enough” or “that person is an idiot” or any other similar claim.  As we are “owning” or "adopting" these labels, let’s also remember Romans 8:1-2.  “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death.”  Also remember Psalm 139:14:  "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

So now it’s time to truly evaluate the effect of this “labeling” on our lives.  Does this practice grant us freedom or does it imprison us?  I do believe sometimes the label can allow us to breathe a sigh of relief because we have an “answer” for how we are or what’s wrong…or right… with us and others.  But does this “knowledge” separate us from God and others?  Can it help us connect to God and others? 

I believe we can allow this “knowledge” to lead us to healing or isolation.  This is key:  which do we seek?  

Personally, I do not believe isolation is profitable in any true sense of our being.  I believe God created us for community and connection not separation.  (Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone…”)  Seeking healing may be the more painful path (seemingly).  However, it leads us to connect with God and others.  God uses community to help us navigate the journey to wholeness.  That's another whole subject in itself.

My conclusion:  Labels limit us in ways that God does not and never intends for us.  Allow God to set your boundaries—to define who you are in Him.  

Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”    

Share your thoughts on this subject.  I'd love to hear from you!  

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His arms!

Listening To God

  

                You are My favorite.

                Not as in comparison.

                But as in, you are My Favored Daughter.

                And yes, I have many other Favored Sons and Daughters.

                However, the favor I have for them does not diminish the favor I have for you.

                I see your perplexed brow.

                I am God, The Abundant and Generous God.

                There are no limits to My Favor, Love or Grace.

                There's always more.

                Think on that!

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  ~ Ephesians 3:14-19

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  ~  1 John 3:1

A Contemplation: Choosing Life or Death

In the midst of confusing and challenging life circumstances, we can find ourselves asking a barrage of questions.  Why is this happening (to me)?  Where did it all go wrong?  What can I do to change or fix this?  All of us experience this in our lives.  We, as humans, tend to lean toward negative emotions and take responsibility or blame, sometimes when we shouldn’t.

I have learned and still in the process of learning how to name the challenge honestly and take it to the Lord.  My history has been one of overanalyzing everything to the point of exhaustion.  The Lord has been beyond patient with me.  He has allowed me to try to control things so that I could understand that I have no power without Him.  He has allowed me to complain and freak out so that I could understand the destruction that comes from being stuck in a negative mindset.  He has allowed me to worry and be fearful so that He could show me how faithful He really is. 

This process has taught me that God is ALWAYS faithful and His Word is a source of true encouragement and strength to me.  The Lord has been my guide (even when I have been reluctant to follow His lead).  Years ago, the Lord brought my attention to the words that I spoke.  He reminded me that words are powerful and have an inherent creative power.  

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”  Psalm 33:6  

Also look at Genesis 1, He created everything by His Spoken Word.  We, humans, are created in His image, so that means our words have creative power also.  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Proverbs 18:12

In the last couple of years, the Lord has been teaching me how to question the words I speak about myself and others.  Are the words we speak really true?  How do they compare to what God’s Word says about God, ourselves and others? What do we really believe about God and His Word?  Are these words fruitful or good for the building up of God and His Kingdom?  He’s teaching me how to identify lies and assumptions and to ask Him what He says.  Even recently, He has shown me that sometimes I am asking the wrong question(s).  He wants me to see through His eyes not mine.  If I can step back from the situation, refuse to be offended or a victim, then I can see more clearly and He can speak life into whatever is going on.

For example, if my question is “what am I doing wrong?”, I find my mind bogged down with all of my failures, shortcomings, and faults.  In my experience I then descend into a relentless attack of my mind as I berate myself for being a terrible parent/wife/friend/person and that I will never be good enough to deserve anything good.  I sadly get stuck here at least for a while. 

Recall that words have power.  As I look at the “answer” to this question above, all I hear are accusations.  So, who is really speaking?  My conclusion is the enemy, Satan, and/or my flesh (because we want to be perfect or innocent and realize we aren’t).  The enemy of our soul will always take every opportunity to attack and discourage us.  His goal is to monopolize our life with doubt and to make us as ineffective as possible.  So why are we opening the door for The Liar and Accuser of our souls by asking what’s wrong with us or what we are doing wrong?

We do have a choice.  Do we want our words/thoughts to invite life or death?  For the question to be helpful and informative, let’s change it to a request to God.  Ask Him to reveal any sin, false beliefs or lies that we are believing:  “Lord, is there any sin or wrong beliefs or lies that are preventing me from hearing what You say about me/others/God in this challenging circumstance?” 

There is a paradox here because we must surrender and relinquish control, dying to our selfish ways of thinking and acting.  As long as we try to hang onto control, we’ll live in turmoil and chaos.   As we release control, the Lord can lead us in His Way, His wisdom and He can freely speak to us.  He will convict us of sin so that we can repent and be restored to fellowship and grow healthier. He will reveal the truth of a situation and give us His direction. 

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10    

Often, we want the Lord to help us understand what’s going on; however, we also bring our opinions and solutions to Him also.  Can we lay that aside so we can hear from Him?  By the way, I believe that He is fine with us bringing our complaints to Him as long as we are willing to surrender them to Him so we can hear His perspective or direction.  God wants to speak to you about your challenges.   Invite Him into the conversation.  

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."  James 1:5 

Mow Us and Grow Us

I was listening to a podcast recently.  I don't remember the name of it or even the topic being discussed.  While I was listening, this phrase "Mow & Grow" come into my mind and it has lingered in my thoughts.  I've asked the Lord to guide me in this journey of thoughts and questions around that phrase.  I started writing down my random thoughts and questions.   But are they really random?

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. ~ Psalm 31:3

So here are some of my thoughts.  In this season, Autumn births the gray, brown and dying.  The trees and plants begin stripping down to the essentials in preparation for the coming winter.  They're shedding the things that are no longer useful or helpful.  However, those leaves, the dried-up flowers and browning grasses, all of them provide protection for the soil.  Even in that state of being they are useful as they feed nutrients back to the fields as they break down.  As the season changes and the days get shorter becoming darker by the day, it feels discouraging and sad.  The colors are beautiful in their own way, and the cool and crisp air can be invigorating, but this season is not my favorite.  I need the sun and all the growing green plants and trees and the bright colored flowers and the garden produce.  I feel myself becoming gray and spent as the plants and flowers fade.  

Has this feeling of gray-ness just become a habit within me?  This happens every year.  Are the trees and plants sad when this season arrives, or do they rejoice in the rest or the challenge this season brings?  It doesn't catch them by surprise--they know the drill.  Why don't we "know the drill"?  Change is inevitable and this life is a journey of learning how to live a life that honors the Lord.

So are these habits hanging on for routine's sake?  Can we change our perspective to be more like the trees and plants of the field?  Can we prune off all those things that are no longer useful or helpful?  And set our perspective to expect the new growth that will come in its season?  And also allow the Lord to use those dying parts to nourish the next season?

What feels weighty and burdensome to you?  Are you in need of prayer support or do you simply need to lay down and abandon some things?  I feel the Lord saying:  "Take what I've taught you in this season and disengage from anything that's holding you in a "stuck" position."

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."  Psalm 136:1

Crisis seems to be all around us nowadays.  It can be so discouraging and seemingly futile to even hope for something good.  I'm reminded that we get to choose our focus.  Do we focus on all the shortcomings, failures, and deficits that we bump up against Every. Single. DAY?  Or do we "see" that deficit and choose to ask the Lord to reveal the "diamond" in it?  How can that adversity work for our good or someone else's good?

There's always a lesson, a treasure, or something of value present in the midst of weakness and brokenness. Maybe this is the place you discover the Lord's very Presence--in the middle of the gray times.  Do you ever stop and ask Him for enlightenment or understanding?   Is He the treasure you are longing for--the knowledge that He is ALWAYS available?  Not as a "once-in-a-while" answer but as an always constant, present, and dependable God who loves us beyond measure.

"...“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." ~ Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord always invites us to approach Him.  Can we get into the habit of inviting Him into our circumstances?  You know He is a good good Father.  He is ready to answer those questions.  Are you listening?  

Lord, thank you so much for the privilege to be able to approach you with our questions.  Thank you for loving us so much that you stand ready all the time.  Help me remember to invite You in, to allow You the opportunity to answer my questions and to finetune my focus on those things You have reserved for me. Help me to lay down all the things that are weighty and "none of my business".  Lord, I want to honor you with my life.  Remind me I don't have to figure it all out and that You see from the beginning to the end.  You are the Source--the Answer to all of our questions.  I love You Lord and Praise You!  In Jesus' precious Name! Amen!

Hope In The Lord

 

Days of whirling thoughts

reviewing failure and mistakes

Recalling the days of

chasing the illusive 'dream'

of security and happiness

Years have come and gone

Hearts are tired and

flooded with regret and grief

Then the Lord reminds...

He is the Redeemer of the lost

heart, mind, soul, dream

He transforms the heart and mind

of the one who seeks Him

Nothing is truly lost when He is in the picture

Hope is His name

He is the One that brings

beauty from ashes

He is the One who brings

what is dead to life

Truly there's nothing better than Him.

What Path Will You Chose?

When facing challenges and tough decisions, we all wrestle with what the right thing to do is.  We want to get it right and if we are honest, we want to hold on to as much control as possible.  We struggle because we want to stay in our comfort zone, chiefly due to hating change.  However, staying in the midst of “sameness” brings its own challenges.  Many times in my life, I have been wrestling with  racing thoughts as my mind is dealing with a wide variety of “doom and gloom” scenarios or fantasizing about the “perfect” outcome. 

• For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ~ Ephesians 6:12  

The Lord eventually gets my attention with a simple question:  “Are you going to exalt your problems or Me?”  That usually stops me in my tracks and then I start mentally reviewing the results of either choice.

• casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5

If I chose to exalt my problems, I will continue to experience confusion leading to depression, obsession, bondage and brokenness.  I become stuck and tied to unbelief, judgment and disobedience. 

If I chose to exalt the Lord, I will experience peace beyond understanding and clarity of mind even though I don’t know how everything is going to work out.  I can love those I don’t understand without trying to control the situation or them.  I can experience freedom I didn’t know was available to me in the midst of uncertain times

So without a doubt, I choose to exalt my Lord and Savior, My God---even though I don’t understand or see how things are going to work out. 

Because I know:  He is Sovereign.  He is Trustworthy.  He is Faithful. 

Once I take this stand, then I can pray God’s will in those situations surrendering the outcome to Him.  He will accomplish His purposes.   He always cares for His own—disciplining us as needed and nurturing our hearts to love and forgive and to show others His heart.

• Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:20 

He has always been patient and gracious with me as I have had my pity parties and when I have tried to tell Him how to “fix” things.  What a great love He has for us!!  We could never work hard enough or be good enough to earn His Love and Grace.  It is readily available to anyone who asks for it.  Praise the Lord!!  He is mine and I am His! In Him I have everlasting Hope and you can have it too.  Just ask!

Prayer:  Lord, Thank you for Your patience, grace, wisdom and discernment.  Forgive me for forgetting You some days.  Help me to be mindful that nothing catches You by surprise and ALL my challenges, whether difficulties or blessings, come through you.  Your eyes never leave me  and your heart is always near.  Remind me to sit down, be silent and listen for You.  Help me to be sensitive to your Spirit’s leading and to be obedient in all things.  Adjust my desires so that they line up with your desires.  Teach all your children to pursue You and your desires.  In Jesus name. Amen.