Do you ever just need a big-time, slap-in-the-face reminder that God is in control? This may come as a shock to many of you (please hear my sarcasm), but I am a big time worrier. Like, in the worst way. One of the challenges that I face on a daily basis is trying to quiet my thoughts. They seem to always be in a headlong sprint toward worst-case scenarios. But part of my February (really, life-long) resolution is cultivating the ability to give my worries to God and trust that He is taking care of things for me. I realize that this is pretty much one of the biggest components of a relationship with God, trusting in His plan and all, but I’m telling you, it is so stinking hard sometimes! And I’m not even talking about His overall plan for my life. We don’t have time to discuss that here. I’m talking about the tiny, little seemingly insignificant things that I devote so much energy and anxiety to each and every day. It’s exhausting…but the worst part is, it SO doesn’t need to be!

Well, for the past couple months, I had actually been doing quite well with trying not to let my anxiety control me. Every time I had an anxious thought, I actually remembered to pray about it! Amazing, I know. And the funny thing is, it was working. Strange how that happens…

And then…fast forward to today…and…well…anxiety: one, Chelsea: zero. At one point this morning, I found myself nearly shaking at my desk, completely overcome by stress. At which time, I called an intervention of my thoughts and gave myself a stern, but loving pep talk that may or may not have included the phrases, “Snap out of it!” and “Get a hold of yourself!” After that, I decided that instead of yelling at myself, it might be best to pray. So I did.

OK, so I definitely wasn’t suddenly overwhelmed with an inexplicable sense of peace (not that God can’t TOTALLY do that!). But I felt…calm. And it was what I needed in that moment. And I think, like everything else in life, the more I practice praying as a first response to stress, the more natural it becomes. Trust me when I say that I so desperately want to be better at this. Why would I choose worry when I could choose peace?! It’s a no-brainer.

I know that I’m definitely a major work-in-progress, but I also know that God is constantly shaping me into the person He wants me to be. And I’m doing my best not to kick and scream the whole way there. So, now I’ll end with, what I believe to be, the perfect summary of all this. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

One last thing…I’m just gonna be up-front with you guys, you should probably expect to see a lot from me on this topic. Anxiety is kind of my biggest anchor. I’m working on it…well, God’s doing most of the work, but I’m like, a really good assistant.