“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

I remember the day that I had to write my first client email without the approval from my boss. I was terrified to say the least. I had read, and reread the email at least ten times. I was second-guessing my word choices. Did it sound formal enough without sounding stiff? Would my stomach hurt if it was actually the “right” email? At that moment, I realized that I was legitimately having an emotional breakdown about six sentences. It shouldn’t take 30 minutes to write an email.

I realize that this isn’t the biggest crisis in the world. But it did trigger a profoundly beautiful realization in my life.

I picked up my phone to call my dad. He works from home, so whenever I’ve been known to give him a call during the day if I had a quick question. But in that moment, I realized that I needed to call my Father, not my dad. That was the first time where my gut feeling was to talk to God before my dad. It was an AHA moment.

That recognition was huge for me. Obviously I trust the opinions of my family and friends. They are the people I turn to for advice. But as my faith grows stronger, I have to care about what God thinks about what’s happening in my life.

There are so many words that surround us every day. Conversations with friends. Television shows. Song lyrics. Advice from family. We are inundated with words. We have access to hundreds of thousands of words at the drop of a hat. Are we taking the time to listen to God’s words?

Feelings are fleeting. Conversations are countless. But, God is solid. I believe in the truth of God and his words. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have doubts or struggles. It means that I seek to find understanding in God and His word. Connect with Him every day, multiple times a day.

Read His word. Sit in silence. Meditate. Sing a song of praise. Listen to a testimony or homily. Journal. Draw. Pray.

Plug into Him and His truth. Allow God to overflow in you, so that His words who loudly enough to drown out any negativity. Do not allow anything or anyone to steer you away from your path. Bring your anxiety to God. Lay your questions and concerns at His feet. Ask for guidance. Look for answers. Trust in His word.

Father God, I trust you, even in my anxiety. Remind me to focus on your truth. Help me to block out negative thoughts and voices and find calm in the midst of the storms in my life.  Amen.