“The struggle is real,” is a saying I hear often these days. It’s a quote that I can relate to many days. Life is hard at times. When I find myself scrolling through Facebook seeing all the proud parent moments, I forget that I am only seeing one aspect of their lives. I’m no different. We face struggles and I keep them to myself. I may share with a few close friends and then spend a lot of time worrying. I fret over the future. I fret over my kids making good decisions and staying on a positive track. I fret over my health and the health of my family. I fret over the constant announcements of cancer and chronic illness. I fret over our finances and work situations. I fret.
Scripture tells me to cast my cares on Jesus. He will sustain me and my burden will be light. So, here is my struggle. Much of what I fret over needs me to search for solutions, research new options, make decisions about next steps on the journey. I find it hard to wrestle with solutions, research and decisions and not worry.
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let (Psalm 55:22 NIV)
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
So, how do I get past the struggle and back to the freedom promised in these scriptures? I have learned that when I am worrying, I have wandered away from a couple of practices that keep me resting in His promises. Journaling is by far one of the best things I do to keep my heart focused on God’s assurance. My journal is essentially a conversation with God. It’s nothing fancy. Sometimes, I rant. I despair. I celebrate. I do force myself to start with what I am thankful for each time. This allows my brain and body to stop carrying the struggle. My burden becomes lighter. Some of my struggles have been written about many times, and every time God reminds me that He has it under control.
The second thing I do is move. I know it sounds crazy, however moving whether it’s a walk or a hard-core workout, reduces our stress hormones. Our bodies become physically calmer. This allows for clearer thinking and better decision-making. It also allows me to be a better listener to God. When I am in a full on worry state, it is very hard for me to hear God’s guidance and assurance. Exercising calms me enough to be present with Him.
Are you facing struggles? Do you fret over family, decisions and work? I encourage you to try a journal or go for a walk. As you cast your cares on Him, I pray you feel His sustaining assurance.
How do you cast your cares on Him? What works for you? Share your journey here and breathe life and bring hope to others.