Letting Go

I'm a huge advocate for mental health wellness. I've had a therapist and a life coach for over a decade. I'm committed to lifelong personal growth, and they've helped me become the best possible version of myself.

I'll never forget something I learned in my very first therapy session: "Freedom from anxiety comes from letting go of the need for certainty."

Mind blown.

When we find ourselves in a whirlwind of worry, we often catastrophize and believe, "If xyz happens, I will be destroyed." We try to convince ourselves that xyz won't happen. We try to pull far away from anxiety producing thoughts, or exercise control over things we can't possibly control. When actually, being released from anxiety comes from accepting that even if xyz happens, I'll still be okay.

Now, I'm not saying "It will all be okay," in a trite, pie in the sky type of way. The very worst things could happen, and it could be incredibly difficult. BUT, God. 

We know that God will be with us and sustain us no matter what may happen in this world. A cancer diagnosis, a job loss, the death of a loved one, God is still with us. Even if we die ourselves, we know that we will be with Jesus.

I found myself worrying the other day about a variety of things over which I have no control. I felt the Lord ask me, "Elsie, can you entrust that to my care? Do you trust that I'm taking care of this, even when you can't see it? Do you trust that I am good, even when circumstances don't look good?" My answer was a simple, "Yes, Lord. I can."

Philippians 4:6-7:
"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".
This verse encourages believers to replace worry with prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in God's peace.