Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

I don’t seem to be able to turn it off – the cacophony of words, thoughts, accusations, speculations and doubts that are running through my mind and seemingly never ending.

I know better – I know God is in control. I know God is with me and that God loves me, has forgiven me and makes a way for me. The list of things I know about God could go on and on and yet for some reason, the other voices are so much louder right now than His still small voice.

If I put those thoughts on paper will they go away? Can I crumple up the paper they are written on and light a fire to it? Will that clear my head? Perhaps. Can’t hurt.

I suspect it comes down to this – I get to choose which voices I will listen to, no one else can make that choice for me. Would that there was just a switch in my brain that I could flip and silence would follow. Silence that allows me to hear God’s voice.

Someone smarter than me said, “Peace comes from the presence of God, not the absence of problems.” Gregory Dickow

Here is a beautiful reminder of the faithful presence of God in my life.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139: 7-10

Writing out the thoughts can be beneficial. I have done that many times and found relief. A deeper and more lasting relief can come from purposefully, intentionally and repeatedly reminding myself that I am not alone, God is with me. Always and forever.

Father, thank You for Your word which uplifts me and restores me and reassures me of Your presence in my life. A presence that doesn’t come and go, a presence that is loving me always and not condemning me, a presence that provides shelter in the time of storms. Forgive me for not basking in Your presence and please help me to turn off the other voices, I ask in the name of Jesus, amen.

If you find yourself in a season of stress and would like prayer, please let me know.