Lent Days 32-33: Relinquishing anxious thoughts


Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Sunup; time to begin again
Morning. It should be a new beginning. A fresh start. And often it is.

But once in a while, I wake with a stiff neck or clenched jaw from the worries or cares that have occupied my mind while I slept. Has this ever happened to you?

This has been a week of early beginning and details-in-motion. My husband left and came back from a cross-county trip. I had three cancellations, two dates reassigned, and a few unexpected opportunities on the calendar. I've had several joyful and meaningful meetings with friends and colleagues. My granddaughter and I went for lunch with my heart settle-ers, my mom and dad. (What a gift from God to have parents who affirm, encourage, and pray for us!)

Here are some questions to ask when you find life overwhelming, spilling over into your nights:
  • What is keeping me awake - or making my sleep less restful?
  • Are there anxious thoughts that God is asking me to release?
  • Am I living with regrets for which I have not yet forgiven myself?
  • Have I sought forgiveness for the sins of the day ... before I sleep, repenting for things done and things left undone?
  • Have I reconciled relationships and forgiven others, living at peace with everyone, as far as is possible with me?
Fact is, we're not in control. Perfection belongs only to God. He is perfectly in control, even while our lives seem busy, chaotic, or beyond our ability to manage.

That's enough reason to say "Thank you, God!" and have a sound night's sleep.

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