Where Do I Go? Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Where do I go with my anxiety?

Are you a planner? Planning is good. It is good to think ahead, to imagine the problems and challenges of tomorrow, to take inventory of your resources, and to evaluate risks. It is good to have a Plan B if your first efforts don’t pan out.

But sometimes planning becomes worry. Overthinking tomorrow’s problems can leave you tossing and turning on your pillow, unable to relax and sleep. Too much contingency planning can leave you incapable of enjoying the life that’s right in front of you right now. Too much living in the future leaves you anxious and restless because you can’t do anything about problems that haven’t happened yet.

Where do you go with your anxiety? Where else but to your Father:  “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Remember that you are not facing your challenges alone—when you wear the yoke of Jesus, he is pulling the load right next to you. Do your job to the best of your ability. Ask God for forgiveness for your failings and for strength for your weaknesses. Thank people who help you and trust them. Put God first in your life, not your troubles. Give him your worship and trust.

And then close your eyes and let go.