Anxiety

Well, we have our homestudy dates! That is very exciting and feels like once we get past that hurdle it will be a big deal. We will have two dates with our social worker, one where we meet with her alone (Paul and I) and then one where she will come to our house. She seems nice and I am excited about this next step. I remember reading blogs, talking with people and thinking "Wow, the home study is a big deal and seems like a big marker for where you are in the process" and we are almost there already! Wow the Lord is gracious to have let these last few months go by quickly...of course it helps when you have two crazy and fun toddlers running around to take care of. This week I have really been battling anxiety...not necessarily about the adoption but about little things that are not of eternal significance (for instance how much time I have to invest in getting better at photography, how perfectly clean my house is or whether or not I can finish a book I started). These things are good things and have a season to accomplish them in but I have been realizing they are gripping my heart too much and creating in me a sense of anxiety and discontentment, so I have been praying about these things which has helped tremendously but I also picked up a great little book called Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I began flipping through it and was so blessed to read through some self-examining questions regarding things that worry you. I thought I would post them so if any of you are struggling with similar things (or bigger anxieties too) you can ask yourselves these questions, which will hopefully thrust us to more faith in God. I would also HIGHLY encourage any of you to read more Elyse Fitzpatrick...she's an amazing biblical counselor and really gets to the issues in our hearts. These questions were in the section entitled: 'The Fear Caused by Perfectionism'

- Is this standard something that will really matter in eternity?
Although keeping a neat home and running an efficient office are good goals, in the end it won't really matter if there is dust on your furniture when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. As you seek to sift through your standards to determine those that are self-imposed, ask yourself questions: What is God himself interested in? What will last throughout time? What is eternal?

- Are the standards or commands that I'm following easily discovered in Scripture, or am I adding or twisting His commands? Would a casual reading of the NT affirm my standards, or are there other things more important to God? -Do I believe I must obey things standard in order to please God? God is pleased with Christ and therefore please with those who have trusted in Christ alone for righteousness. (Matthew 3:17;Eph.1;Phil 3:9)

-Does this project or the way that I think it should be completed mean more to me than the people involved? In light of the command to love others the way we love ourselves we need to realize people are always more important than projects, even projects initiated out of love for God. God rules sovereignly over the completion of all His will. It isn't our place to try and force God or others to do what we think is necessary. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs and struggles of those around you. He can cause your heart to overflow with love and fill you with the ceaseless joy that comes from laying down your life for others. You'll find this so much more satisfying than the fleeting pleasure you might get when you look at your perfectly clean house or a letter that is typed perfectly.

- Do I feel guilty when I relax? God has given us the command to care for our bodies and ordained fellowship with other Christians to be a source of strength, growth and renewal. Even Christ took time away from the crowds for renewal. Learning to take time to relax isn't wrong; in fact, it's a necessity. God love you and will help you accomplish everything you need to do for Him if you spend time in God-honoring rest.

-Do I understand that all Christians, including me, are in a state of flux and growth? Do I give people room to fail, grow and change? Am I patient with them?

-Do my priorities reflect a God-centered focus? Jesus taught the road to freedom from fear was found in seeking God's promises- in seeking His kingdom and rule first (Matt.6:25-33). It's as you focus your life on God's kingdom that He's promised to supply every one of your needs. Remember, He knows you and has pledged that "all these things will be added to you" (Matt. 6:33)