Rise Above

Life. Is. Busy. Those 3 words basically sum up our lives. The world we live in is so fast paced, that you barely have the chance to breathe before you start the next day. It is so easy to start drowning in everything going on around you, that before you know it, you’re spiraling into a person you barely recognize.

Does this ever happen to you? It is so easy to look at everything going on around me and feel the stress rising up on the inside. It can be over a tiny issue, like a huge pile of dirty laundry, or a mile long to-do list. Sometimes it can be over a big thing like a bill we weren’t expecting. I will drive my husband nuts because I stress the craziest things. But it’s true! When I allow the anxiety to consume me, it makes me a miserable person. I am irritable, snappy, and I have a hard time hiding it.

This is NOT what God wants for us as Christians. When I am a stressed out, miserable person, I am of no use to my husband, son, and definitely not our ministry. God wants us to give Him everything. He did not create us to worry, but rather, He created us to worship Him. He wants us to take what He’s given us and make the most of it. Let’s be honest, sometimes life throws us more than we think we can handle. But the thing is, we don’t have to handle it alone. We can give it to the Lord.

I chose to write about this simple subject this week, because this is something I have learned and am still learning! Whenever I find myself in these situations, these are a few practical things I try to do.

1. PRAY.
2. Take a few moments and consider if the thing I am anxious over is even worth it.
3. If it is worth my time – Think about what I can do to improve the situation.
4. Write it down. (For some reason this always helps me.)
5. If it’s out of my control, LET IT GO.

The bottom line is, don’t let anxiety consume you. Enjoy the life God has given you. We all have imperfect, sometimes stressful, and chaotic lives. But what makes the difference is – we can choose to rise above our situation and be the happy Christians we are called to be!

1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

John 15:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.”

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On a lighter note, Cooper is going to be 9 months old in a few days. I can hardly believe it! I’m so thankful for my little guy, because he is a constant reminder that I have so many reasons to be happy!