Anxiety Levels Rising
I had one of those days when my anxiety levels grew higher and higher as the day went on. I actually did not notice it until it was time for my late-afternoon nap (so that I could keep going into the early hours of the morning). I was full of concerns and worries and I could not fall asleep, even though I was exhausted. As I lay in my bed, I reflected on a verse that I always tell people when they are consumed with worry: "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) I know these words...and I today was the day that I needed to put these words to work.So, on my bed, with all of my anxieties in front of me, I began to pray. And my prayer was very basic but very specific: God, I know you are already at work in my life and the situations I am currently anxious about. By Your Spirit, align my heart, soul, mind and will to what you are already doing. What I know is that if I can get on board with what God is already thinking and doing, all things will work together for my good and His glory. I know that I need obedience more than I need answers, and prayer is the best way that I can enter into that reality.Not gonna say that all of my anxieties went away in one moment (although it has happened that way at other times). But I was reminded that regardless of how I feel, God is with me. He knows, He cares, and He is at work in my life. And somehow, that was enough to get me moving to Community Night even though I did not get my nap. I walked into a room where I found 85 college students eating meatball subs at UNF. Casting all my cares on Him, I was able to step into the night trusting that God will keep me and all that concerns me. Knowing that He has good planned for me, I could bring my best self to tonight's gathering.So hey...if you are out there, and your anxieties are rising. Remember...He is the God that cares for us. Remember that 99% of what God is doing we can not see. He is faithful and He will provide for us. Keep your faith up friends...God is good to us!