Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
Thoughts, Reflections, Inspirations, and Prayers
Simple Thoughts Simple Prayers
God's Calming Love in the Midst of Anxiety
Ever felt overwhelmed by a mountain of obligations and struggled with anxiety? You're not alone.
There are two lists of thoughts that go through my head, each of which allow me to focus on the task at hand and the calming presence of God, who not only knows our schedule, but has numbered our days.
6. Six is the number of speaking engagements to which I am obligated over a three-day span. Now I trust that you can do the math on that, and I just want to fill you in for someone with my particular gifting and talent. What I figured out is that that is about six, too many talks for me to give. I shouldn't be giving any talks And here I have to do six of them. Here are some thoughts that run through my head as I think about that. It is too much to do. I'll probably bomb Hard. I wish I had guarded my yes wiser, been better with my schedule. These are the thoughts that swirl full of regret and inducing anxiety. But here are some other equally true thoughts. I only have to do one talk at a time. I'll get them done. I always do. No one cares how I do. As much as I do. I'm excited about each opportunity.
Speaker 1:I could go on with both lists, the doubtful and the hopeful, but what I found is that both lists are actually a little bit helpful. See, the first list raises the stakes of responsibility. It makes me do the work Like, hey, i need to get these done. These things are on me. I said yes, now I have to do them, let's go. But the second list gives me some perspective. It calms me down, it grants me peace.
Speaker 1:God made the mind to be a complex place Many things vying for attention, a myriad of messages All at the same time. The question is, which dials do I turn up To? what am I tuning into? What am I listening to? And as the voices in my head jump, jive and wail, can I connect to the crooning cadence of a God who not only knows my schedule but who has numbered my days? Can I cast cares upon the one who created, who saves, who redeems? Right now, my schedule is not looking good, but my God is, and that's the dial I need to reach for. That's the one that can turn down my anxiety, turn down my stress. Yes, i still need to get the work done And yes, it's still going to be something I feel God's with me in that He'll carry me through.
Speaker 1:It's not just true of giving talks or how we plan it, it's just true. It's true of everything. God, grant me the perspective of your power, your love for me. You are not a busy God, surely not too busy. Nothing is too much for you, and with you, anything is possible. Give me a clear view of you, even when life seems overfull. Remind me that even in those times, your overflowing love and grace are enough. Give me strength for the day, your strength. Let me cast my cares upon you, amen.