Best way ever to crush the crazy!

I'm sure most people will agree with me that the world we live in has gone crazy. If you are wondering what I'm talking about just take a peek at the headlines in a newspaper (does anyone read those anymore?) or Facebook or wherever you get your news. And it being an election year has put exclamation points on everything. Oh...my....stars.

How in the world can we live a peaceful and happy life with all this craziness going on around us? One of my grandchildren even mentioned to me that he feels hopeless when he sees/hears news events. I told him I have felt the same way. Yet, God's desire for us is to live peacefully and with joy. But how?

While I don't believe we should bury our heads in the sand with worldly issues and ignore them, God does say to focus on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, etc." Philippians 4:8. That's pretty clear, God tells us what He wants our main focus to be on. So, in my humble opinion, if something causes you stress and produces anxiety and hopelessness, don't listen to it or watch it. Simple as that!

Something else that helps me is I have chosen one day a week when I go to my prayer closet (it is actually a closet upstairs) and share my concerns with God. I think we all pray these little daily prayers throughout the day, and that's definitely a good thing. But I'm talking about setting aside time for God and Him alone, with no distractions. My phone is not allowed in this closet. (by the way, I had to fight for this time alone with God, it didn't come easy!) Doing this helps me see that I am doing something about all this craziness, I'm telling God about it and trusting Him for a solution. Praying is powerful, it's private with God, it has strengthened my relationship with Him, and prayer petitions Him to move on the various situations. And to be honest, I have never walked away from prayer feeling stressful or full of anxiety. Just the opposite is true: prayer has given me peace.

In addition to this, I have taken up Scripture Writing, which I love, love, love! In another blog post I will show you how I do this. But for now I will say that it is an amazing activity that helps keep God's Word in my heart and mind.

Spending as much time painting as I can helps too because I love to do it! The attached picture was done when I wanted to create but had no idea of what to paint. I just painted a background and added some scripture. Sometimes you just get started and see where the brush takes you!

Finally, I am working on focusing on the moment, and not worrying about the future. This is not always easy, and I have to be intentional with it, sometimes talking and reminding myself to do it. Because I'm human, it's an ongoing process. That being said, spending time with grandchildren, cooking dinner, having lunch with friends, and all the other daily activities, are moments in time meant to be enjoyed as they occur. In Jesus' own words: "Tomorrow will take care of itself." (Matthew 6:34)

So, the craziness may always be there, but we don't have to drown in it, or focus on it. As Christians, we always have hope. God will not leave us nor forsake us, He will help us, He hears our prayers, and He will give us peace. "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil 4:8. Take God at His word, He knows what He is talking about.

And may the craziness be crushed.

Thank you for visiting my site, any comments are welcome. Have a wonderful day!

1.