I feel like this woman. I wish I could stop the thoughts circling around in my brain. Now that my book is published I should be able to move on, but it is not in my nature. I keep thinking I should do more. I keep checking my sales, my Facebook, my reviews, wondering when my launch team members will finish reading and post reviews. I’ve lost my balance and tipped over into obsessing. God keeps nudging me to trust him, to spend time with him, but I find myself struggling to make him my first thought.

I may not have OCD, but I know myself well enough to recognize certain areas of obsessive, compulsive behavior. Do you have areas that are like that in your life? A certain routine or coping behavior that feels like a need? Or anxious thoughts that keep you awake at night? Will you follow along with me as I try to redirect and settle my thoughts into the comforting embrace of God’s care?

First, let’s define what obsess means.

Dictionary.com says, “to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of (a person); beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally.”

Oxford Learner’s Dictionary says, “to completely fill your mind so that you cannot think of anything else, in a way that is not reasonable or normal.”

The scriptures that come to mind are verses on worry and trust. Let’s look.

“So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬, ‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭TPT‬‬

All my worry, all my fretting, and all my obsessing, feels like water flowing over a cliff into deeper water, never directing me to solid ground.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.‬‬

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT

Paul tells the Philippian church what to do if they are worried about something. He directs them back to God.

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.‬‬

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭CEV

Peter says the same thing.

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭CEV

I’m sure this is a scripture you’ve read in many translations. I used this translation to help you see it anew. Because isn’t that what I need? I’ve been looking at my situation as something I need to control, and that makes me feel out-of-control. God has a better way.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”‬‬

Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NKJV

When traveling into unknown territory it’s natural to have some anxiety. That’s what makes it so important to remember who God is and how present he is with us.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV

But if our eyes are on our understanding and fears, we may miss the opportunity to watch the blessings of God unfold.

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.‬‬

Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭18‬, ‭21‬ ‭NLT

And once we have our focus clearly on God, the way will become clear. The work can progress in the right direction, and the weight will be lifted off your shoulders.

“Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Mattityahu (Mat)‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭CJB‬‬

I’ll leave you with a song I just found while trying to find a different one. Lol. My Burden is Light Adore Worship.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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