Tomorrow is my 28th birthday! I know, I look 14 lol. I absolutely love celebrating my birthday. Growing up, birthdays meant no chores and a ton of love and attention. We always had the tradition of choosing our favorite restaurant to eat out with the whole family. But one of my favorite things to do is reflect on the past year and let me tell you…God is good.
This year has be one of the most rewarding and challenging years of my life. I experienced things that I have never before, but as a result, I was able to turn to God like never before and He revealed Himself to me. He showed up for me. He showed me that He is good.
Here are a couple things that I learned (am still learning):
Updating My Spiritual Practices
I was listening to a sermon by T.D. Jakes where he mentioned updating your spiritual habits as you grow and your seasons change. I never considered that how necessary this was for me until this year. So…when I was in high school and even majority of my college life, I would wake up with about 10-15 minutes to get ready for the day. I’d go to class, enjoy my extra-curricular activities and come home for a quiet time. I’d spend some time with Jesus at the end of my day, studying and journaling about the day. I am not saying that this was the best option but it seemed to be okay for me. I mean, at least I spent some time with Him right?
Now, I’m 27 and experiencing some very real things about life. The expectations and responsibilities have gotten greater. I have bills. I pay taxes. Weekly travel for work. Adjusting to the common changes of life: sickness, death, relational conflict. Goodbye daily naps. Adulting is real. I began to fail in ways that challenged my self-esteem. The days seemed to get longer and longer with more stress and anxiety. Nothing seemed to be working.
I realized that my moments with God were not as beneficial at the end of the day. I am not a morning person. I am lazy. This hasn’t been easy and definitely requires some serious discipline.have an hour long commute to work and that is also a good time for me to pray and meditate on His Word. Some mornings I fail and hit the snooze button. But God is faithful to allow me to try again. And the mornings where I seek Him first births and spiritually and physically rewarding day.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 9-11
What does your spiritual routine look like? How has it helped you see God throughout your day?
Responding to Anxiety and Depression
Because of this adjustment to my spiritual routine, I have been able to concentrate on the way I respond to being anxious. I’ve mentioned on previous blog posts that this year has been really challenging for me. I have struggled with feeling extremely anxious and depressed. I felt broken and confused. I felt like there was no hope. In those low moments, I turned to sleep and solitude as an escape from reality. I deceived myself into thinking that these things would bring me peace and comfort. I deceived myself into thinking that the anxiety and depression would just go away.
But God is good.
He has shown me that He is the only One that can be my ultimate peace and comfort. He used close relationships to remind me to seek him for affirmation and and assurance in moments of anxiety. I couldn’t respond to my anxiousness with only naps and vacations. I needed to respond with the truth of God and cling to His promises.
Who does He say that I am?
What has He promised me?
Do I trust Him to sustain me and provide for me?
Do I rely on Him to be my everything?
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
How do you respond to anxiety and depression, if you have dealt with it?
Like I mentioned earlier, I am still learning to apply these lessons everyday. I am not perfect…but God is good. He gives new grace and mercy each morning to seek Him for peace, hope and comfort. I praise Him for the things that He has shown me as I carry them into another year of life.
Want this Tee?
I got this cool hoodie from Be Transformed. So check it out!
