Opening our mouths in prayer.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I’m an optimist and I don’t have much anxiety; or so I used to think. Then I read some symptoms online.

Racing thoughts? Check. Replaying conversations in your head? Check. Heart palpitations? Only once or twice a day. Restlessness? Uhuh. Forgetfulness and poor concentration? Yep. Yep. Irritability? My family would say so! I’ve been struggling with anxiety for at least two years and didn’t even know it!

Maybe you can identify with these or other symptoms of anxiety.  It’s the pits, isn’t it?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 129:33 New International Version 

These baby chickadees were in a nesting box in our old backyard. Their mama spent all day bringing them food and sleeping with her wings spread around them at night. I don’t believe these little ones felt anxious. They waited for what they needed, opening their mouths up to ask for food when mom came near. They trusted their needs would be met.

“ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:26-27 New International Version

My anxiety feels productive. It gives me the illusion of control, as if thinking about things constantly will prevent anything bad from happening. But that’s a lie. The only peace I can know is when I open my mouth in prayer for nourishment from the Father, give thanks for all He has done, and breathe in His grace moment by moment. It’s hard to remember to pray, but when I do, my eyes are opened to His leading and I have moments of peace. I miss Him when I’m grasping for control.

Truth: He values me and is always faithful even in the worst circumstances. I can practice letting go and taking the next step. This is true for you as well.  So take as many deep breaths of His grace as you need today and open your mouth in prayer when you feel your pulse going up. He is faithful and you are precious to Him.

“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 New International Version

Copyright photo and text Jennifer Brukiewa