Take a Breath

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7

YOU MAY REMEMBER THE TIME when Jesus visited Mary and Martha (see Luke 10:38-42). Martha was scurrying around, busily trying to prepare a big meal. She was distracted—not even paying attention to what Jesus was saying. She was overwhelmed, anxious, and frustrated with her sister, Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet, calmly listening to what he had to say. When Martha finally vented to Jesus, he basically told her to calm down. He said, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

What do you think that one thing was? Martha was missing the point. She was so upset and busy that she was missing the amazing thing that was happening right in front of her.

When have you had an experience like this? When was the last time you felt panicky and upset? Or nervous and frustrated? We all get frazzled and anxious at times. But Jesus told Martha not to worry, and not to be concerned with the wrong things.

What are the things in your life that make you feel out of control and anxious? In those moments, Jesus wants us to stop, take a deep breath, and calm ourselves. He’s telling us to stop worrying about the things that don’t matter and to focus on him instead.

DO

Take a short walk outside (take an adult if you need to). Before you step out your door, though, close your eyes and think of three things you’re anxious about or that are stressing you out. Pretend to take each of those three things out of your mind by “pulling it out” of your forehead and setting the invisible thing at your door. Then go for a five-minute walk outside and focus only on the world around you that God created.

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for helping me stay calm when I feel anxious or worried. Please remind me to keep my focus on you and not on things that seem important but really aren’t. Thank you for calming my fears. Amen.

READ

Isaiah 43:2; Micah 7:18