By: Elizabeth Haarberg

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

Dealing With the Buildup

The pressure to perform, fear of failure, and other similar thoughts can take us into hard and dangerous places. How do we unload the expectation we have for ourselves and the anxiety that can build from the world’s expectations?

“…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 English Standard Version

Life is hard at times. We have schedules, jobs, kids–pressure that can block our relationship with Jesus if we let it. Jesus acknowledges that life will be hard but reminds us that He has overcome the world so we can rest in that reassurance.

As I’m typing, I can feel the anxiety of a situation one of my children recently talked to me about. I’m “wearing” the emotion that the child is feeling. I’ve been trying to shake it off since last night, and it just won’t go away. Even though I counseled the child through the emotions, I am now worried about how this child’s situation will end up and I feel very out of control. I’ve continued to hand it over to God, but I can’t quite get out from underneath the nervousness.

This is a real life situation. We can’t always jump in and save our children. My plan is to continue to worship and praise God and continue to hand over my children to Him. I know God has good plans for my children and He loves them more than I do. I also know that what I want is control over the environment that my child is in. Relinquishing control and asking God to increase His peace in me is what I need most.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 English Standard Version

And there it is! This verse hit me like a rock and I’m tearing up as I’m writing this. Trust God with all we have been given; He only gives good gifts and He wants the best for us.

So, I will continue on my journey of giving up control and praise God from whom all blessings flow. Amen!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado