For the One Who is Overwhelmed and Anxious

God, I know you can do it… why haven’t you? I know in the blink of an eye you can bring heaven down to rescue everyone who’s hurting right now, so… why haven’t you?

How much more of this?

These thoughts ran through my head one day after a morning filled with headlines and stories of people hurting due to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s rocking our world. After seeing them, I began to feel frustrated and disappointed with God. I didn’t want to read another page, scroll through another screen, listen to anything the news had to say. I just wanted peace.

So I went in my backyard and sat. And felt it. And I invited God to come sit with me for the first time that day.

Two hours went by – sitting there alone, listening to worship music, and venting my frustrations in prayer to God. I felt anxious for the future; I felt overwhelmed by all the work projects I wanted to finish that day; I felt a pounding in my head from too much screen time; and I felt guilty for making my prayer about me when I have an income, home, food, health – while so many others are going through so much right now.

And after I was done feeling it and surrendering it to God – He met me there. Like He always does.

Eventually, the roaring winds in my mind became a calming breeze as He whispered His promises to me:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:1

“Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you … that your faith will not fail.” Luke 22:31-32

“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:20

“The winds will blow in your life and the waters will roar in your mind, but we will remain still and steadfast knowing that HE is God.” Psalm 46:10

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

For the one who may be feeling anxious, angry, overwhelmed, or like you can’t even put a word to what you’re feeling – I want to encourage you: GIVE IT, THEN PIVOT with the three steps below:

Step 1: Check in with Yourself

Acknowledge what you’re feeling: Give the feeling a name, or if you had to give it a color – what would it be? Describe your physical sensations: In your chest, tummy, neck, back? Sit with it for a little while and slowly detach yourself from its hold on you.

Step 2: Give it to God

Whatever has been making you feel anxious – surrender it to God. Overwhelmed, locked in, worried, guilt, grief, boredom, loneliness, etc. Take this time to pray, open His word, listen to worship. Have an honest conversation with God about what you’ve been carrying with you, and lay it at His feet. Invite Him wherever you are. Spend some time with your Heavenly Father.

Step 3: PIVOT your Perspective

Once you’ve given it to God – leave it there. You’ve taken it off your chest and placed it into His hands. Now, it’s your job to pivot your perspective by HONORING HIM with your thoughts and actions from here on out.

Exercise, cook a healthy meal, call a close friend, get some sun, sing, dance, write in your gratitude journal, etc. Whatever your higher self would choose – do that.

There are so many resources out there with tips to overcome being anxious, but all the resources in the world and following positive vibes accounts on IG isn’t going to do you much good if you don’t implement them into your routine. Ultimately, it’s your choice to control your anxiety or let it control you (my prayer is that you will choose the former).

“Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6

Step 4: Invest in Your Future Self

This too shall pass – we know this because all God’s promises are YES and AMEN. Don’t let this discourage or disqualify you.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27

When you look back, are you going to regret not having made the most of it or are you going to be proud that you kept your faith and continued to be a blessing to others and gain wisdom?

We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control what we do with it.

What will you choose to do with the rest of today?

“This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24