Joy: 37-Day DevotionalSample

I've been told that I think too much. Admittedly, this is true—I DO overthink almost everything which transforms into worrying. I worry about my children and husband, our parents and our health. Is the dog okay? Did I buy enough food? Will it rain before I can mow? The list goes on and on! 

I believe it is so easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life that we often forget where our main focus should be. As I grow, I've found that Psalms 46:10 NIV helps to keep me grounded, “...Be still and know that I am God...”. When I feel anxious and catch myself thinking about everything I want to get done or worrying about something that I have no control over, I recite that verse and suddenly everything comes back in to focus. Never once has God not provided for my needs. I just have to do my part and keep my focus on Him and not the rush or jumble of life. Philippians 4:6 NLT tells us “Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.” When you feel worry overtaking your thoughts, find a way to bring these verses to your mind. I've got post-it notes on my computer at work, decorative signs in my living room, and devotionals on my nightstand—all these along with my Bible help serve as reminders to where my focus should be.

Social media allows us to see what everyone else is doing, thus switching our focus to things that aren't as important. It has also created a false sense of what is right and has broadened what is acceptable in our society. It is our responsibility as Christians to remember that we can't fall victim to society's rules. We have God's Word, and we should not deviate from that, regardless of what may be popular.

I have faith that as long as we focus on what God wants us to do—and not what society prefers—every little thing is going to be all right.

“Lord, thank you providing us a way to You. Help us to remain focused on You when we get distracted.”