“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
Ten months ago I was diagnosed with depression. Stress, over-commitment and lack of sleep sent me into a downward spiral. My body was in a state of constant tension and my mind could not power down. I had a hard time just dealing with daily life. God allowed me to go through a deep valley where I had never been before and the perfectionist inside me had to admit to herself and to Him that she did not know how to get out. I needed help.
Through counselling, I’ve discovered that I have an unhealthy need for others’ approval. I want to be known as the woman who has it all together. Some counselors call it co-dependency. The Bible calls it the “fear of man.” It is an ever-present trap in our world. It keeps us dangerously busy trying to earn our worth.
The motives for our busyness are not wrong. We want to be the best wives, husbands, parents, employees or church members we can be. The problems come when we find our value in all the things we’re involved in, not in who we are in Christ. In many cases, as in mine, our busyness also affects our mental state and physical health.
Through God’s restoring power in my life, I have more peace and less anxiety. I’ve learned that He loves me as I am, imperfections and all. He will guide me if I take the time to be still and listen to His voice.
God, my life is busy. Show me where I need to say “no” in my schedule so that I can say “yes” to spending time with you. Amen.
Thought: Today, schedule 15 minutes to be alone with God. Thank Him for the blessings in your life, and thank Him for the lessons you’ve learned in the valleys as well. Ask Him what He wants to say to you that you may have been too busy to hear.
By Debbie West
Used by Permission
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Further Reading
• Pressing the RESET button on our lives
• Keeping Yourself in God’s Love – even during painful times in your life
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