Letting Go of Anxiety

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

I was startled awake recently by the sound of one of my children having a nightmare. Still in a fog myself, I ran into her room and immediately began to console her.

It took longer than I expected to help her realize that her dream was just that – a dream. The line between nightmare and reality was a bit fuzzy for her.

Truthfully, that line gets fuzzy for us as moms too. I know I can be a worrier. The fear of what might be can paralyze me if I let it. My guess is this is true for most of us.

So where do we turn when this anxiousness wells up inside?  My favorite place is the book of Psalms. I love the psalms because they are real. They are full of life – real life fear, real life anger, real life worry, real life doubt. All of it. It’s the stuff we all feel and try to make sense of.

And yet the psalmist rarely ends with an emotion or feeling. But rather, takes those feelings to the feet of God - almost as a way of saying, “This is too big. Do something about this!”

And God always does. Like a parent who consoles a child, God graciously reminds us of what reality is – even when our reality is scary, hard, and disappointing.

He takes us to His Word.

Preaches His promises.

Sings His love over us.

Soothes us with His truth.

So what has been holding you back, keeping you up late at night, stealing your thoughts and weighing heavy on your heart? What do you need to cast on the God who cares for you beyond comprehension? He longs to sustain and guide you as you bring your life as an offering to Him.

Every moment as a mom that you clench tight in desperate fear to control, God has it under control. Let go my friend. He is with you right now.

If it is a hard place, He is there.

If it is a confusing place, He is there.

If it is a lonely place, He is there.

If it is a stressful place, He is there.

As a Father with infinite grace, wisdom, and power, He has not and will not, leave you alone. Hold fast to Him.

·      What part of motherhood is most difficult to surrender to God right now?

·      Where do you need God to comfort you the most? With His truth, His promises, or His love?

·      How can you begin today to walk in faith instead of fear?

Father, thank You for the reminder that You are near. Help me to know You and trust You. I cast my cares, my concerns, and the fears I have been carrying, on You. Fill me instead with Your joy and with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,