“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

This used to be my life verse. By life verse I mean the one I clung to and repeated and referred back to whenever I faced something scary or uncertain. Do not be anxious. And when I say ‘used to’, I mean that anxiety isn’t something that troubles me in the same way that it did in my past. Maybe it’s because, as a mom and a grown up who gets to choose what my days look like, I’m not forced to do things that make me squirm (like public speaking) very often any more. Or maybe it’s because I’ve grown and matured in my trust of my God. Or maybe it’s both.  Whatever the reason, I can honestly say that anxiety is not nearly as much a part of my life as it used to be.

But in the last couple weeks it’s reared its ugly head again. Anxiety is trying its damnedest to overtake my mind and steal my focus. I’ve lost sleep, focused on the ‘what ifs’ of an uncertain future, and let much of my peace slip away.

The thing is, though, I’m not going down without a fight! I am seeking His joy, and I will not let anxiety win the day. God wins. His peace, His thoughts, His love, His joy. Through my daily surrender, I’m finding that He wins the battle and the war over my mind. The following are the verses He’s been speaking to me in the recent weeks. These are the verses I cling to today. I share here because I hope they encourage someone else and direct you back to His heart for you.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (When I shared this verse with my husband, he said that when I said the word ‘destroy’ he actually felt like I had been ‘deJOYed’)

“take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5b

Wishing you the fullness of life that God has for you as you are obedient and allow Him to shape your thoughts. Honored to be on the journey with you.