Some days I wake up and the first thing that hits me is the stress that the day brings. I think about my list of things to do, the personal troubles I may be having and whatever else is going on that I have to face. Life is that way. Some days I wake up feeling great and other days I wake up with an undeniable weight on my shoulders.
But two of the things that I’ve learned as I grow in my faith is that first, nothing is actually in my hands. Regardless of what I try to do in my own power God is ultimately in control! If something is going to go wrong today, there is a reason for it. There is a bigger picture that only God sees, and in the end it will work out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). So when things don’t go my way, I ask God what it is he is trying to show me in the moment instead of blaming him for it.
The second thing and most powerful thing I can do in times of stress, doubt and fear is give thanks. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6.) Literally, in two minutes of remembering all the great blessings I’ve been given, my whole attitude and thought process changes. I go from “stinkin thinkin” to an attitude of gratitude in no time! The small cloud that was over my head slowly moves away and the sun starts to shine. Now, that cloud may come lurking in and out throughout the day but as soon as I start telling God all the things that I am thankful for, my personal weather gets better and I’m out basking in the sun again!
Not everyday is going to be perfect and not everyday is going to be smooth, but if we simply give it to God and tell him thank you for everything else that is right in our lives he will show up for you.
Jesus wants you to call on him. He yearns for that relationship with you. And the better the relationship gets, the more you will see the sun shining in your life. God never promised an easy life but he did promise that he’d be there to uphold you if you hold out your hand. “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13
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