As a mom, I can be a bit of a worry wart. Are my kids getting enough nutrition
or sleep? Are they forming healthy relationships at school? Do they read the
bible enough or watch too much TV? The worries can sometimes seem
endless. Never mind turning on the news and hearing about everything
wrong in this world. A lot can consume our minds and lead us down a
negative spiral of despair.
We have approximately 2500-3000 thoughts per minute. And many of those
thoughts are negative in nature. They are filled with worry, concern or fear.
How will I pay my bills, how will I get a job, how will I end this relationship,
how will I stop this sin in my life? How will I________. I’m sure it isn’t hard to fill
in that blank.
But there is this beautiful hope of easing our anxious minds. Philippians 4:6-7
tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace
of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus.”
The Word tells us that when we have anxious thoughts, we should take them
to prayer. When we take our concerns to the Lord, we engage in battle. We
are fighting against our sinful nature to be in control and allowing the Lord to
work everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). When we offer thanksgiving
to God, we train our minds to look at our blessings and not our lack. When we
choose to partner with the One in control of all things, we can be at peace
and know that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion
(Philippians 1:6).
I believe that too many of us are walking around living in anxiety, fear and
depression. But there is a loving Father who is simply waiting for you to turn
to Him with it all. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Lean
into Jesus and allow Him to transform your mind and renew your thoughts.
It’s a simple step, just cast all your anxiety on him because he truly cares for
you (1 Peter 5:7).
