BY JESSICA LANDMON
I know that at times the world seems overwhelming and feels like it is spinning out of control, but you need to know that our God is still on the throne. Whether you are consumed with the pandemic virus or you are simply just unable to face another day because of mounting anxiety, keep reading.
Ladies, I know first-hand how crippling fear can be. It feels real. It feels unshakeable. And it feels like you will never have freedom from your anxious thoughts again. But that is a lie that the enemy wants you to believe. God doesn’t want you to live like that.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
I have been very open about my struggle with fear and anxiety. And although it was not as severe as some of you may be experiencing, as a woman involved in ministry, I used to feel so ashamed that this was something I couldn’t overcome. How could I allow those anxious thoughts to creep in and disrupt my peace? I knew what the scriptures said about fear, and yet, I still couldn’t break this stronghold in my life.
After a lot of years circling the same mountain, it came down to this question of my heart – did I really trust God? Did I trust Him with my health? Did I trust Him with my family? Did I trust Him with my future? You see, I really didn’t have a fear and anxiety issue, I had a trust issue. I didn’t fully trust God with my life.
Sure, I trusted Him for my salvation and general protection, but I still worried that there would be things in my life that I couldn’t plan or account for. And you know what, I was right. But looking back, there isn’t one thing I would change because Jesus has walked with me through it all. Everything in my life, although not what I would have necessarily chosen, was there for a divine purpose.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
After I had this revelation about trust, I was faced with a choice. Could I relinquish control and wholeheartedly trust the Lord’s plans for my life no matter what that looked like? Or, would I continue on this vicious cycle of laying things down at the feet of Jesus only to pick them back up again when things didn’t look or feel like how I expected them to be? By the equipping power of the Holy Spirit, I chose freedom, and you can too.
So, to the woman who puts on a smile for the world to see, but who is secretly crying inside . . . and to the woman who couldn’t get out of bed this morning because her anxiety is so high . . . and to woman who hasn’t had a good night’s rest in months or even years, it’s time to check your heart.
Today, you have a choice to make. Are you able to relinquish control and finally say “Lord, I trust you” or do you want to continue to live in bondage, worrying over what may or may not ever happen? If you are ready to go all in with Jesus, then today, my friend, is your day for breakthrough!