"If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14
There is no way around it. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to move in order to get out of a mental funk. Motion. This is crucial. I realize so many times, I'm just in my head. When I 'm in my head I over obsess, analyze, deliberate, overthink, and most often get nowhere. I have to take it one very slow step at a time. I also need to be highly aware of the things that set me off and be vigilant to avoid them. So just how will I fare today? What is my plan for overcoming?
1. Take one thought and action step by step. What does that mean. It means to not think too far into the future or the past. It means to be in the now. I often overwhelm myself with all that needs to be done or all that I want to do. Or many times I'm carried off into distraction because of a thought that pops up and I follow that thought trail. But, when I take one thought and action at a time, I'm forcing myself to be disciplined and handle what is in the current moment. I think of the verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 I'm more at peace when I do this. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
2. Keep a schedule close by. I make a simple schedule in my planner. I refer to my schedule to make sure I am on track with what needs to be done. I'll refer to it when I feel anxiety coming on and I want to reach for the phone. I am singularly focused on staying focused on the schedule. This schedule is the blueprint and goal I want to reach.
3. Put on a timer on each task. This keeps me focused and on point with the tasks I have to do. It is an effective way for me to zone in on what needs to be done. It is a way to train my brain in the direction that I want it to go. Sadly, I have to take these extreme measures, because when I'm not operating at my best I am prone to distraction. This timer approach is a protection in making sure I am moving in the right direction.
4. Trust that all will be well. The very belief that all will be well reduces the anxiety about whether it will or not. I try to remember scriptures that calm my mind. Like "He has given me all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3) or "He will perfect that which concerns you."(Psalms 139:8) or "For it is God who is able to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Phil 2:13) or "He has not given me a spirit of fear but of love and of power and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7) These are reminders that
It is God's will for me to operate with a calm and trusting mind. This is the mental state I want to be in. Unfortunately due to my poor coping mechanisms when dealing with deep anxiety, I have to work towards repairing the impulsive thoughts that crowd my mind. There is a real effect on my mental state when I allow my thoughts to run rampant. I realize this is neurological process that happens when engaging with technology. So for that I give myself grace. But the damage can be undone. I trust that if I ask for God's will to be done in my life (calm, trusting, at peace, confidence, etc.) then I will receive it. It is up to me, will I walk in it? Will I do the things necessary that foster calm and confidence? Today, I choose to embrace the answer to my prayers. I have asked, it is His will,and I believe that He hears me.
"If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14