Let It All Go...

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Last week I struggled with headaches every day. Not just the regular headaches that I've dealt with for years on an ongoing basis, but these were a different type. It was not until the end of the week that I realized I was stressed out on so many levels about so many things. It was not good.

Now, I must confess I believe part of the reason I was having the headaches was because I had changed my diet and amped up my exercise routine. I had been doing excellent on that for about three weeks, and last week on a Monday I crashed. I went the entire week eating the old foods I used to love (fried, sweet, and fast), and I did not work out once. So, I know part of the reason was because of that fact alone, a fact that my husband actually pointed out.

When I settled down on Friday after the work week was over, I began to sort through all the random things that were rambling through my mind and that's when I realized I was stressed. We're coming up on that time of the year, where we're still trying to balance regular life's demanding schedule and trying to squeeze extra in because here come the holidays, here come the times of celebration, and here comes the extra spending.

I love being invited to things and included in things, but here's a little secret that I'll share with you, and you only. I am an introvert. Honestly, I am such a homebody that I have to allow my family to talk me into participating in most things. Not because I don't like to or don't like people, I think it's that I love my comfort zone and I don't like being pushed beyond it. And beyond that? Writing is my guilty addiction...has been since the age of 12.

Well, in the effort of trying to push beyond my comfort zone, sometimes I allow myself to take on too much and that's what I have done lately. I said 'yes,' to so many things that I became absolutely overwhelmed. That's the other thing about me, I don't like disappointing people by saying 'no.'

So, I began to question my reluctance to complete some of the things I had been asked to complete, participate in some of the things I have been asked to participate in, and provide some of the things I have been asked to provide. And then I looked at my hectic and demanding work schedule (I have a stressful job that I really love), and compare it to everything else. I cannot do it all, and I had been trying to fool myself into believing that I can.

So, there were things that I needed to say 'no,' to and some things that I needed to delegate to others, which I absolutely hate doing. I really do believe I can do it all, and it'll be done the way that I want to. Other confession? I'm a control freak over things related to me...not things related to others, just me.

Then it hit me. Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7. It came to me on Friday night I believe it was. And so, I started asking the Lord to lead me as to what to do in different areas. Show me what was His will, and what wasn't. Show me the things it was okay to do and those that I need to let go of. And above all give me peace with it and peace with the people that may be involved in it. And you know what? He did.

Everything has not been revealed all at once. He is giving me glimpses and answers day by day, but I have to be patient and trust Him. And then I have to truly let go once He gives me the answer and follow what He's telling me to do, not second-guessing Him or questioning Him in any way. And with each revelation, He's giving me peace and comfort through it all.

Sunday morning, my mind amped up again starting to think about the vast things that are on my plate, and things I'm being asked to do or to give. The headache started back up, and He led me right back to this Scripture. And after this Scripture, came this blog piece. I think He's telling me that I'll have to hold tight to this particular Scripture as He guides me through this particular season of life.

Whatever it is that you may be facing this season, or any season of your life, trust it into His hands before you stress about it. Nothing is worth risking our health for. And after all, He wants us to live an abundant life and enjoy it to the full. That's what He promised in His word. Then who are we to do anything less than what He has established for us?

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

What do you do when life becomes stressful?

Do you have a favorite Scripture?

How do you escape the madness life offers at times?

I would love for you to share with me. Drop it in the comments below... 

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


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