Sometimes my mind spins in so many directions that I stress my self out. I can’t focus or settle inside. Then I get frustrated, which seems to fuel my spin pace . . . and I just wanna scream or cry or run away for the day.
. . . There’s that project I need to tackle, but I’m not sure how best to approach it, so I just keep putting it off. There are calls I want or need to make, only I can’t seem to find the right time when there’s enough time to talk. Always, there’s that pile on the counter that I need to just deal with—but, y’all, every time I remove two items, at least four more materialize. What’s with that? And then there are those matters that I simply need to think through, process, and weigh, yet allotting time for those seems to require that I sacrifice time earmarked for something else.
Do you ever feel like this, or is it just me?
So the other day, when I was having one of those days, I vented, God help me! I think I halfway expected him to transform everything right there on the spot—which he can do, because he’s God. But that didn’t happen.
What did happen is God got my attention. All along he was with me . . . I just wasn’t with him. My mind dwelt on the pile of things I needed to do and how overwhelmed and inadequate I felt to accomplish it.
God patiently waited for me to turn to him—to bring my thoughts and feelings to him and dwell in his presence. All along, He was right there, holding me. Our loving God holds you and me. Do we talk with him as though he’s holding us? You and I are his Beloved. BELOVED. When this is my perspective, I feel secure.
Try it.
When we turn to God, we practice trusting him. We decide to rely on him. Instead of leading, we follow.
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5.3)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56.3)
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62.8)
Welcome God into your thoughts—as you drive, wait in a line, take a walk, vacuum, shower, or stare at that pile on the counter.
God, I commit this day to you. Help me be present to your presence today.
God, I am overwhelmed. Please help me unload all this to you.
You are faithful. You are with me. I am your Beloved.
Invite Him to join that conversation. Better yet, ask Him to lead you through—with your boss, a co-worker, your husband, child, a friend.
God, help me only say what you want me to say.
Give me understanding, insight, and grace.
Please heal, strengthen, and grow this relationship your way.
Include Him as you think through that project or assignment, ponder that looming decision, or consider the best way forward in a challenging relationship.
God, I don’t know how to go forward. I need your wisdom and guidance.
Please protect me.
Help me trust you, discern your will, and follow you.
Live like a lifelong learner. Every day we learn and practice. When we pray, we practice relying on God. We draw near. Try it.
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