Release Control, and Learn to Live in the Moment!
Welcome back to another Monday blog post, Fam! If you didn't see last week's post, then you'll definitely want to read it here because my family of five and I are moving into an RV full time! Surprise! I also did a fun Q+A answering all of YOUR questions regarding our decision to sell everything and live tiny in a Youtube video here! Thanks in advance for all of the love and support! We can't wait to bring you along this tiny living journey with us!
Back to today's post...my desire is that my message of hope resonates with you all, and possibly helps those struggling with anxiety to see a more clear path to follow! Let's get right into shifting our attention from “anticipating the storms of life” to "smelling the roses" one day at a time.
A little about me...I'm a total planner, always preparing for the worst case scenario. If something goes wrong…chances are, I've already anticipated it, AND I've got a backup plan! Is anyone else here like me? Planning for life's uncertainties can definitely be beneficial at times, but more often than not, I find it can be crippling, leaving us feeling trapped and heavy burdened. The Bible offers so much truth and wisdom on the topic of fear and anxiety which I’ll also share bits and pieces of in this post!
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
As of lately, I've been trying to consciously build a new habit of relying on my Father in Heaven, living in the moment, and facing one day at a time. That's it. Not only do I want to avoid “missing out on each day’s blessings,” but constantly worrying about the future often results in me anticipating events and scenarios that haven’t happened yet, or may not ever happen! I know as a believer and follower of Yeshua (Jesus), I'm not called to live in this way.
"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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6
"The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes His steps." Proverbs 16:9
Yahweh (God) knew that for most of us it would be a constant struggle to always remain in control of life's circumstances. As mere humans, you’ve probably guessed correctly that this is not attainable. At first, it feels like an impossible feat to “be anxious for nothing,” and it's easy to feel defeated when we fail time and time again to relinquish our control. However, I'm convinced that the more knowledge we gain of our Father in Heaven who, unlike us, IS IN CONTROL of every little detail in the universe, the more at rest and ease we can become living in the “here and now.”
“Who can act against you without the Lord's permission? It is the Lord who helps one and harms another.” Lamentations 3:37-38
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” Philippians 1:12-13
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
The constant need for control is toxic and habit forming, isn't it? What good does it actually do us? When we're always looking towards “tomorrow,” we allow ourselves to get frazzled with anxiety over what could possibly come instead of what is. It's time to stop elevating our fears above the power of our Sovereign God. Instead, we must shift our reliance from our own selves onto our powerful Yahweh, and take each day one at a time. This developing relationship of trust, and reliance on the Father paired with spending time in His Word will help keep us present in the moment and the REALITY of what is actually happening.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Instead of allowing anxious thought after anxious thought to filtrate our minds, we must make it a habit to dismiss lies and fears, and grasp onto Yahweh's truth. Pair this with the courage to deal with issues prayerfully in the moment when, and if they ever arrive, and we will have an incredible force!
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:7-8
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
In closing, being a planner and prepper can most certainly serve us and our families well in many ways. We can plan things like a wonderful gift for our husband's birthday, a delicious meal for our friends, our birth plans, a fun vacation, or our homeschool curriculum, but we must do so with the knowledge that we are still NOT in control. We must come to terms with the fact that control is unattainable, and will only result in a feeling of constant failure and defeat. However, our dependence on the Father, His control, and His sovereignty is energy well spent because only in Him will we never be left empty regardless of life's circumstances. So friends, let’s stop looking ahead, and focus on the now.
Who else wants to join me in daily forming these new and healthy habits of peaceful living in Yahweh's truth? So thankful for this growing community we have, and as always I’m happy to share more about my faith if you have any questions!! Let's support, share our struggles, and love on each other today and everyday! <3
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Cool, Mom, and Collectedly Yours,
