“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)

There are so many times (too many times, maybe) where I feel like I need a pause in this life. I need to refocus; I need to reset my life and the path before me. I imagine myself on a trail, and with all of life’s distractions and responsibilities, I begin to take turns and shortcuts that eventually lead me off and away from the original path I was on, the one that was made for me, not by me.

In times of trouble, pain, and hurt, we are encouraged to run to God. The Bible tells us to go back to Him, look towards Him and draw near to Him. As comforting as these instructions are, they begin to feel vague when you feel so deeply entangled by life’s messes.

Let me tell you, though, there is nothing quite like the relentless, wholehearted and determined pursuit of God. Run to Him. Chase after Him. Be fascinated by His Word and intrigued by the miracles He is capable of performing. Believe that He knows you and loves you, and has been patiently waiting for you to look to Him during this time.

Dedicate time to the Lord in prayer and worship, and read the Word like you would dedicate time to a friend, family member, sport or class. Give Him the chance to change the trajectory of the path before you. He will make it clear because that’s His job. Life is so hard when we try to control it, but when we let go of the reigns, it suddenly becomes so easy. We were never meant to be in control.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

When you release this control, you will realize that the questions that once consumed your mind are now answered or no longer matter. Your worries will disappear and your confusion will melt away. You will begin to adopt the very perspective God wanted you to have all along. You will be grateful for the experiences you have and the people in your life. The things that once would have gone unnoticed, you now count as blessings and answered prayers.

I encourage you to do this: Run to God. And when you do, look around. Who is cheering you on and encouraging you along the way? Who is running with you and at the same pace and with the same love and determination in their hearts? Surround yourself with people who are also on a path leading to God. These are the people that will encourage you, love you and remind you of God’s plan and His love when life and anxiety begins to take over.

When you are on this path, take note of the changes that Jesus is making in your heart. Perhaps you all of the sudden have compassion, grace, and forgiveness for that person that hurt you. Or maybe you are all of a sudden at peace about next month’s rent because you have tasted Jesus’ sweet love and now trust that He will provide. Though you once felt so alone, you begin to see the very community He is blessing you with, although it consists of people you never knew or never expected to be a part of your life.

So, friends, trust God. Because when we do, we can follow His path and His plan for us. He will reveal the life that He has constructed for us and that He has always wanted to give us, along with the peace and love that can only come from Him. He is so good and wants His children to feel known, loved and protected!

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