Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lost, or confused? Yeah... me too.

These past couple of weeks have been emotionally and mentally draining so if you've been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lost, or confused, I want you to know that you are not alone.

I recently came across this verse that has been helping me navigate these emotions:

"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

While there were many reassuring parts in this verse, what stood out to me was the "and" in between the verses. First the verse reminds us not to be anxious about anything. Then it tells us that in every situation, no matter what's going on, we should go to God in prayer. Then comes the "and"... as a guarantee. It's there to show us that the two things go together, that when we do go to God in those moments when we feel anxious, overwhelmed, lost, or confused, His peace... which transcends all understanding... will guard our hearts and minds.

It's a promise.

It's a guarantee.

It's an "and".

You go to God in prayer, surrender your worries to Him, AND He will give you His peace which transcends understanding.

The kind of peace that makes no sense.

The kind of peace that keeps you calm in the midst of chaos.

The kind of peace that keeps you optimistic no matter what things look like in front of you.

The kind of peace that only God can give.

This is the peace we get when we go to Him in prayer in every situation we are going through.

So why don't we experience this peace more often?

Because our first instinct is not to go to God. Our first instinct is to complain, feel sorry for ourselves, or to try to fix things on our own. We get so caught up in our misfortune that we forget that we have a Father who guarantees and promises that when we go to Him in prayer and surrender our worries to Him, He will give us peace.

I don't know what has you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lost, or confused today. But no matter what it is, go to God in prayer and give it to Him.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7

If you have trouble audibly praying or keeping your thoughts focused while praying out loud, journal out your thoughts and prayers to God following these prompts:

• What are you feeling anxious about? Tell God about it and ask Him to grace you with His peace which transcends understanding.

• What's an area of your life where you feel lost or confused? Tell God about it and ask for His guidance.

• What are you feeling overwhelmed about? Tell God about it and ask Him for clarity on what changes you need to make in your life.

Rooting for you always,

Kemi