Our Lenten series on Deeply Loved continues. If you’d like to connect more frequently, click to follow me on Instagram or Facebook, where I am posting videos and other encouraging content about five days a week. We are currently on Day 28 of our 40 day journey!
Trust
Today, we’re talking about trust. I’m currently working on my next book, which is about living courageously. When fear drives the bus, we are not heading toward trust. While fear is inevitable, allowing it to control you is not. We all have worries and fears–but we can choose how we respond to those concerns.
Even in a deeply divided society, we have this in common: we’re worried.About the future, about the past, even about the people on the other side of the divide.
Jesus asked, “Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?”
The path to letting go of fear and holding on to trust begins with gratitude. The bible says, “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.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
Gratitude
That little word, thanksgiving. Gratitude. Gratitude ushers us into a place where trust is not contrived but genuinely experienced. We don’t have to strive to trust–it’s a gift, a grace. We get to trust by letting go of fear and practicing gratitude.
What are you grateful for today?
Sometimes relationships are the reason we worry. But other times, relationships are the safe haven from our worry–the good thing in our life.
Who are you grateful for today?
Sometimes our finances cause us worry. But if you have enough to eat, you sleep in a warm bed, you’re able to get where you wanted to go today–those are good things in your life.
What are you grateful for today?
Trust flows out of our gratitude, as we pay attention to truth: God has brought you safe thus far. God will not abandon you. You are deeply loved.
Practice
Today, make a list of things you’re worried about. Set it aside, then make a list of things you’re grateful for. Give both lists to God, trusting God with the worries, and thanking God for the blessings.
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This is a good word, Keri. Even when I’ve suffered the worst of my anxiety disorder, gratitude helps me focus on the good. Good treatment from my doctor has also been key.