I Turn To You

Im running to your arms. The riches of your love will always be enough.
Nothing compares to your embrace. Light of the world forever reign

Growing up, I have always been an anxious person. I worry about what can happen in any situation and whether or not it is safe to follow through with a certain plan. When I got to college, my anxiety spread to my school work. Since Freshman year, my nerves have gotten the best of me whenever it comes time for a presentation or walking in class to take an exam. At the beginning of my Sophomore year, I struggled with getting enough rest, sleeping at the right hours of the night, and eating throughout the day. My anxiety and nerves got so bad I could not eat without feeling sick and my stomach constantly bothered me. I went through this for an entire semester before I started looking for answers and consulting a doctor. 

I have currently been diagnosed with IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I take medicine every morning, and I have currently been trying to focus on eating better in hopes I will no longer deal with not feeling 100% during my day. I recently prescribed myself with a healthy dose of Jesus. Being in college gives you complete control of your life and what you choose to do with your time. Many college students stray from their walk with Christ, and I admit to being one of them. I was always the one to pray to God whenever I needed something or whenever I thought he wasn't listening to what I was trying to tell him. However, we shouldn't turn to God whenever we want or need something. We should talk to God in a way we talk with our loved ones: openly, honestly, and daily. 

Recently I have quit making excuses for not opening up my Bible or taking the time to pray no matter what hour of the day. I have noticed how my nerves are more settled, and I don't seem as anxious or stressed out. I have focused more on complaining less and praying more. For this week, I have began praying for strength and perseverance for my entire Anatomy class. This is our second semester being in class together, and to say it is one of the more difficult sciences would be an understatement. 

Tonight my roommate expressed her worries about this week and how we will all do on our Anatomy exam. I responded by saying "Do not be scared. Just study the best you can. And be confident in knowing you did all you could do." This is something I have been telling myself for the last few weeks. Often times we feel hopeless and that our hard work never pays off. We doubt our ability to do well, and we allow others' confidence to define our own expectations for ourselves.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without find fault, and it will be given to him."  

James 1:2-5

Our faith can be tested by any action or thought; what matters is how you deal with each dilemma and work through it. The testing of our faith develops strength, and we grow older and wiser from this strength. God doesn't give us any trial or tribulation in life without reason. When we lack in hope and certainty, turning to God in prayer and asking for guidance will result in his unabiding love and loyalty. He does not leave us stranded in our time of need,

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

When you call upon the Lord, do not doubt him. Do not question whether or not He is listening or if He will provide you with the answers right then. As I said in my last post, with prayer comes patience. Doubting the Lord will only lead you farther down a path of confusion and questioning. Be confident in your prayer and know God is listening and answering in ways you may not expect.This week I challenge you to turn to God whenever you find yourself at what you believe to be a dead end. Confide in the Lord with whatever may be weighing on your heart. I pray you feel the difference in your life that God has been working in mine.

With Love & Laughter,
Alison