Posted on May 27, 2020 Posted By: Joanna Mitchell Categories: Devotions

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

First, I want to acknowledge that Frances already used this verse in her devotional at the beginning of the week. I waffled on whether to stick with it or find something new. Ultimately, I decided to keep Philippians because it fits so perfectly and I’d like to think I’m offering another perspective here. So here goes!

Think back 6 months ago, to November 2019, and just try to picture what you thought 2020 would hold. The start of a new decade, full of possibility and promise, a calendar full of events and trips and things to look forward to. I’m going to guess, you wouldn’t have predicted you’d be where you are right now. In fact, I think many of you would agree that 2020 has not been the year we were expecting. Because I would have never guessed that between then and now:

  • A pipe burst in our apartment 3 times (yes the same pipe, in the same spot, all three times)
  • My mom would be involved in a sledding accident leaving her with a neck fracture and shattering the upper bone in her dominant arm, requiring two surgeries and nearly 10 days total in the hospital.
  • Which would lead to me taking 2 months of unpaid leave from work
  • Following which I would return to work, in healthcare, in the midst of a global pandemic
  • And after 2 ½ months back, I would turn in my notice at work, with an end date of June.

All of this while I was in the process of applying to Luther Seminary and going through the steps of becoming a candidate for ministry with the ELCA. To say there were anxiety producing times would be an understatement. However, while this would normally send my anxiety filled self into a tailspin, I felt oddly at ease with all that was going on. Don’t get me wrong, I had my share of car rides (one of the only times I had alone) crying while I prayed to God to show me a way through whatever was nagging at me at the time. But for the most part, I was able to put my trust in God, to turn over my anxieties and fears, to be still and know God is with me and is my fortress (Psalms 46:10-11). Because through all of that, there were also great things to happen.

  • I prayed to God for a resolution to the apartment issues and we came out with no damage and no mold.
  • My mom not only survived her accident, she fought to heal and is thriving, surely thanks to the prayers of so many
  • I was privileged to be able to take that time away from work, through God’s abundance in my life
  • I turned 27, which hey might not seem like a big deal, but I love birthdays
  • My relationship with my partner grew to be strong than ever
  • I had a job for me to come back to

Looking back over the last few months, I know that God was providing me with opportunities to really grow in my faith and to build my trust in them before this next season of life starts. On a daily basis I am presented the chance to throw my energy into worrying about things I am mostly not in control of OR turning to God with prayer and thanks. I trust that in this next season, as I transition from working full time to being a full time student, God will protect me, will provide for me, will guard my heart and my mind from the anxieties that creep in. Those thoughts that say “You’re not made for this.” “You’re going to fail this paper.” “People don’t want to read or listen to what you have to say.” Because while it’s possible those things “are” true, that’s not for me to decide and worrying about them will bring me no closer to my goal of serving others through love and grace. God blessed me with 6 months of the utterly unpredictable, in a more controlled setting, to continue to prepare me for a lifetime of challenges and surprises that come along with ministry life. 

To close I’d like to include my favorite form of prayer, something that can be easily done, anywhere, any time – a breath prayer. In times you feel anxious or worried or lost or unsure or overwhelmed repeat this practice. As you inhale, call on the Holy Spirit; as you exhale, ask for peace. “Holy Spirit, bring me peace. Creator God, grant me rest.”