You can avoid preoccupation with future things. Don’t let yourself get tripped up with obsessive thoughts about situations and results that may never actually occur. Stay close to Me, your Shepherd. I know what is over the horizon. Let Me lead you on steady paths. Please, don’t try to race ahead in your thoughts or actions. You’ll only waste precious energy and create needless worry for yourself. Enjoy resting at My feet for a while. Allow Me to take over the planning for tomorrow, and the day after that. Enjoy the scenery of where I have brought you to today.
anxiety
Allowing Changes
All around you change is happening. Don’t be afraid of this; I plan it for Good. Stop all of your own attempts at planning or controlling and release yourself fully into My care arrangements specifically designed for you. By allowing changes to unfold with acceptance on your part, the way will be easier and more clear to see. Find peace as you practice this level of trust in Me.
Releasing Temporary Discomforts
The world measures by temporal things: comforts, wants, and concerns, – things that fade or do not sustain you. Find contentment right where you are, with no more and no less than you need. Practice releasing temporary discomforts, thoughts, or worries and needs into My capable hands, right in this moment. Sit quietly, absorbing My Presence as the most real want and solid satisfaction. I supply all things in due time. This day matters and your wishes matter to Me. My purpose for you, when we are in harmony, is doable and satisfying. Be fulfilled and content, working in sync with Me today and trusting that I hear your heart’s desires. I know what is best for you. Even as you mourn and groan, know that I stand by your side, fully attentive to you. All things in due time, My love. I am here.
The Act of Humbling Yourself
In your areas of weakness, I am strong. In your flaws, I am present to help guide you onto higher ground, with sure footing. The act of humbling yourself means that in areas where you do not have mastery or self-control, you can recognize the need for My help and choose to allow Me to work on your troubles with you. I help best if you posture yourself in such a way that submits to My will and My design for you, which is perfect. The with-God life requires a humble stance with daily acknowledgement of your need for Me. Being humble doesn’t mean beating yourself up or lacking in esteem. You can have confidence as you learn to lean on Me and live off of My Grace, given freely to you. I know you well and love you even with flaws and imperfections. Show your need for Me so that I can give you your daily bread, sufficient to meet all your needs.
Your Busy Head Needs Time Off
I need all of you. Not just a little bit like leftovers after a full meal has been dished out. I want your whole self committed to Me: your work time and your leisure. Part of giving Me your whole self means paying attention to how you find balance. I call you to intentionally set aside time for rest and for “play” because your busy head needs time off. Fill your cup with My reservoir of love by spending time with others you enjoy and who love you back. See what this can do to renew your heart.
Release the Pressure of What-Ifs
As you stop long enough to truly listen for Me, My Grace sweeps in like the rush of fresh air when you crack open a window. The heat of tension and stress escapes out a little at the same time. I aim to soothe you as much as to guide you. I call you to peace. Find balance by slowing your pace and accepting today as it is. Release the pressure of “what-ifs” and “how to’s”, aiming to be present in the moment and trusting My work in your life. Take one thing at a time and crack that window open as often as you can remember to breathe. I am with you and there for you.
Being Light-Hearted
Sometimes being “lighthearted” takes a conscious effort. When life is discouraging, choosing to believe in My ability to help you overcome can be hard. Choose belief today anyway. Defiantly stand in the face of all that seeks to overwhelm you and say, “My God is bigger than this!” I am a trustworthy and loving God who notices and attends to every detail of your life. You can aim your face to My Light of hope and let it fill your heart with courage to get through the day. There is joy up ahead, and reason to be Light-hearted yet today.
An Audience of One
Concentrate on My flow plan for today. As activities unfold, moment by moment, allow My lead to guide your steps. Recognize the pressure for “performance” that is ego-driven, and instead, perform for Me as an audience of One. Show your stuff in honor of Me. It’s okay to be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and appealing to others – this is part of how I designed you. Share news and information that edifies. Be delightful! You are My bright child in whom My Light shines. Go with confidence, joyfully, into this day with the pressure off. In you I am already well-pleased.
Laugh Out Loud
Today, listen to My sincere call to you to slow your pace. I ask you to release these fervent efforts to always be on top of ‘tackling the next thing’. Instead, enjoy the present moment. I want to see you laugh out loud, or listen joyfully and open your eyes in wonder, amazement, and appreciation of My beauty placed in your surroundings. Morning light dancing through the leaves, bird song, the smell of green apples or fresh laundry. The work will still get done in due time. Hear Me beckoning you in small moments as you proceed through your day, and at the end, take time to recall our vivid encounters. Relax, enjoying My Peaceful Presence with you.
Slights and Offenses
You are more loved than you may realize. The tiniest slights and offenses that happen in daily life can skew your recognition of how likable you are. Don’t let these tiny, false claims get to you. Any thought that you are somehow unworthy of attention is a lie. I am the One who knows you and loves you. Ultimately, this is all that matters- but I know how you long to be close to others and not excluded or misjudged. For now, let Me in to soothe the hurt and provide reassurance. Confidence will return as you trust Me with your relationships. Ask Me to help remove any defensiveness from you so that others can draw closer. It’s OK to be vulnerable now and then.