Letting Go of Anxiety

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

We were startled awake recently by the sound of one of our kids having a nightmare. Still in a fog myself, I ran into my daughter's room 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 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 that 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 life--real-life fear, real-life anger, real-life worry, real-life doubt. It's the stuff we all feel and try to make sense of.

And yet the psalmist rarely concludes with an emotion or feeling. Rather, he 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 what reality is--even when our reality is scary, hard or disappointing.

He takes us to His Word. Reminds us of 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 onto 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 that you clench tightly in desperate fear to control, God has it under control. Let go, my friend. He is with you right now. 

If it's a hard place, He is there.

If it's a confusing place, He is there.

If it's a lonely place, He is there.

If it's 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.

Many blessings,

This devotion is from my devotional co-authored with Karen Ehman, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet With Jesus. Learn more <HERE>.