Hope for Today

One of the most common issues I see in my counseling office is the struggle with anxiety. It is very common for the person struggling with it to feel as if they are the only person experiencing this issue, and the truth is that almost everyone struggles with anxiety at some time in their life. Anxiety is rooted in the desire to control which causes the fear of not being able to control outcomes, behaviors, or safety. So, what can you do to alleviate anxiety? Planning and preparation, talking out fears, having realistic expectations, and numerous other tactics and techniques can be used to reduce fear/anxiety, but it is important that the solution does not add to the problem.

Planning and preparation can be a very viable tool in reducing anxiety, but it can feed the monster, as well. Planning is a process of finding steps that when executed lead to an expected outcome. This takes analyzing what you have on hand or what talents you might have to make those steps as well as determining where you may acquire the needed resources for the project. The planning process is about making realistic plans for steps which lead to achievement. Realistic determination and thoughtful consideration during the planning process also help hone the purpose of the effort. Is this expected or desired outcome realistic, positive, needed, or purposeful to God's plan for your life? If so, then plan away!

While in the planning process you might fall into the worry pit of "what if __________ happens?" "What ifs" are about the future, but planning is about present actionable steps that are based on your gifts, talents, and resources. You can plan for contingencies but not 100%, so place your planning effort on the present and know that your gifts, talents, and resources are foundational aspects of progressing. The "what if " worry pit is sitting ready to capture your thoughts and drag them down into the muck of doubt and fear - anxiety. Avoid the "pit" and plant yourself in the present. Yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery. Take stock of your gifts, talents, and resources today.

If you read my sunflower story on my website, you know I take a great deal of inspiration from the story of the sunflower and nature in general. Sunflowers know that every single day God will present the sun in the sky for them to follow, and that sun will feed them for growth and purpose. Even on a cloudy day the sunflower follows the sun because the sunflower knows the sun is there behind the clouds and that every day will not be cloudy. The sun may be unseen, but it is there! Now apply this to the one and only Son - Jesus!

Worry about the future is ignoring the ever-present love and care of the Savior. He promises to be by your side even on cloudy days when you sit in your worry for tomorrow. Giving your focus to tomorrow's worries takes your face off the Son. Be the sonflower and keep your face to the Son! Jesus is the one and only Son!

Ponder on Matthew 6:34

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Ideas for growth:

1.Make a list of your God given gifts and post that list on your bathroom mirror.

2.Make a list of known resources and pray over how to use them for God’s glory.

3.Start a daily gratitude journal focusing on the present only.