Yes, Mommas, you read that right. I am giving up. I am giving it all up. I am super excited about it and I’m going to invite you to come along with me.
There are a couple different things that I’ve been pondering the last few weeks. The first, I was introduced to at bible study, and it’s been so freeing. I had not heard it presented like this before - we were told to “give up !”. Now that sounds like terrible advice, right ? Well, let me set the context.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, I suffer (like actually suffer) from anxiety. For those of you that are like me, you know how exhausting, draining and engulfing that can be. I worry about this. I stress about that; and as if that’s not enough, I think and worry about my worries. It was reiterated at bible study a couple weeks ago that, through Christ’s sacrifice, that’s not my burden to bear. Now as Christians, we’ve been taught, and heard way more than one time, that Christ died for our sins. That is such a selfless and incredible act, but it is also so freeing. That is freedom. His sacrifice gives us permission to not worry, to not fear because He’s already taken care of that for us. That is power. That is strength. So, through lots of prayer, I’ve been continuously trying to “give it up”. I am giving up. I want to give my struggles, my worries, and my fears, all to God. Because, let’s be honest, He’s the only one that can do anything about it anyway.
Secondly, there have been a few times, especially recently, that I have been prompted to think about what my favorite bible verse is. Now, full disclosure - I am no bible scholar. I wish I knew the Bible better. I want to prioritize that. I need to prioritize that. Since I could do a better job, I never have an answer when asked, ”What’s your favorite bible verse?”. Whenever I’m asked that question, I almost feel frustrated that there isn’t one verse that really stands out to me. I’ve always thought, “Why can’t there be just one verse ?! In the whole Bible, I can’t be captivated by just one?!”
So, as I’m deciding to give my worries and fears to God (still very much a work in progress), I felt prompted to find “my verse”. I was determined. I was going to find it.
As I’m sure some of you know, the Bible is packed with great verses; I mean, that’s kinda the whole point. The infamous John 3:16 is so great, but that almost seemed too obvious. I wanted to have to work a little harder than that.
As I was looking for “my verse”, it occurred to me that, although I wanted to work harder to find it, I didn’t have to. It has literally been hanging on my wall in the kitchen of my home (as pictured above), like a subtle greeting. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know (that I am God)”. So, here I am, praying to give up these weights, these burdens, and in my home I walk past this decor multiple times a day. This is the perfect reminder to understand that we have a God who is present and so loving. As I pray to release these worries and these anxieties, as I pray to give up, He is right there to take it all. To free me.
Mommas, I pray that you feel this freedom along with me. I encourage you to pray that your hearts be calmed and your minds quieted. I pray that you know and believe that our worries are not our’s to worry about.
If I may, I would also encourage you to find and share with me, your favorite bible verse. This process was so enlightening for me. No matter if you find yourself in a season of valleys or mountain tops, take Him with you.
As always, I pray that my words may be the encouragement that you were hoping for. If there is anything that you want me to write about (from my perspective), please reach out to me. I want this blog to be everything you’re looking for and more!
Until next time...
Your,
(Free) Christian Momma