Take a deep breathe

Taking Anxiety Out of Finding Purpose

Take a deep breath and relax… the pressure is off of you.

When it comes to mapping out my future and drafting a path to attain my purpose, I sometimes feel overwhelmed at the simple thought, because quite honestly… that’s an immense responsibility and I don’t necessarily trust myself with the task of creating a plan and a purpose for my own life.

So, in those moments of panic, when I think ahead to where I will be and what I will be doing in five or 10 years, I have to stop and remind myself of the fact that Jesus already has a plan for me.

Even before I attempt to create a plan on my own.

Of course, I know what I like and what I dislike. I know the things that I desire in and for my life. And I want the best for myself. But knowing and wanting those things does necessarily equip me to be able to take on the task of establishing a pathway to my purpose.

More and more I am coming to realize, within myself and within the world in general, that one of the most considerable triggers of worry and anxiety is this concept that it is up to us to contrive a plan and purpose for our life.

When I surveyed the internet, curious as to the methods proposed for coping with fearing the future, the results basically concluded to no more than,

‘Well, there is no way of really knowing what is going to happen in the future, so just take things day by day and stop worrying about it.’

I don’t know about you, but that does not exactly reassure me.

Yes, the future is uncertain, but what can provide us assurance and peace is knowing God’s tremendous love for us and knowing that He has and wants only the best for us. I can find peace and comfort in trusting in the plan and the purpose that He has for my life.

Rather than being fixated on the uncertainties, take comfort in knowing that He genuinely cares about every little detail of your life.

Ultimately (and thankfully!), the pressure to design a plan and a purpose for our own life is off of us!

Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

The outcome of my life is not contingent on my ability to create a pathway for myself. I don’t have to lead myself and captain my own ship. Instead I can find comfort and peace in the fact that HE’S GOT THIS.

He has already drafted the plan. He is the Author, not me. And because of that truth, I don’t have to rely on myself, but I can instead rest in the knowledge that He is in control and He has a plan for my life. A plan more wonderful than I could ever imagine.

I don’t have to design my way. It’s already designed for me, and by the One who knows me better than I know myself. I simply have to follow the path that He has already designed for me.

And while although it may be easier said than done, Jesus truly has our lives ALREADY mapped out for us.

So, seek Him continually and He will lead you in the plans He has for you.

My life rests in His hands.

Julia