**Why?**

How many times do we ask ourselves this question in a state of exasperation?  Why??  Well, this morning, it was the first thing that came to my mind.

You see, as an adult, I have had to battle anxiety, and the frustrating part of all of it is that my anxiety can show up at the most ironic times….like my days “off.” Why now? What am I afraid of?

I am so thankful for mornings where I can be lazy with no time constraints. Yet what is the FIRST thing I do this morning? I spend 30+ mins scrolling through social media so I can just “relax.” (Yeah, right.)

While I’m doing this, I’m constantly analyzing how much time I have until I need to get moving so I can get my to do list done. Why can’t I just put my phone down and enjoy the quiet? Why do I have to continually be filling my time with something? How do I shut off my brain??? It’s the anxiety.

Interestingly enough, in true God fashion, my scripture reading this morning was from Philippians 4. Verses 6-7 say, “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.”

Why anxiety for me? Maybe it’s a blessing? Just maybe, God is using my anxiety to remind me to how much I need Him in my life, no matter the circumstance. Through giving my anxiety to Him daily, I will find my road to peace. It is my anxiety that keeps me close to Him. And it is only through Jesus (not scrolling through social media) where I will receive complete peace and rest.

Verses 8-9 tell me:

Make a choice.
Pray with a thankful heart.
Train my thoughts to focus on helpful things.
Practice Christ-like behavior.

THEN the peace of God will be with me.

(Photo cred: Amy Treasure on Unsplash)

In Him,

Ashley

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”