Therefore

Every time I stress about an external circumstance, God’s answer has been to change my internal state. As soon as I allow his peace to displace my anxiety, I’m able to hear who he wants to be for me right now, see my circumstances from his perspective, and respond to them in his strength.

There is no fear in God’s presence—no anxiety, confusion, rejection, powerlessness, or hopelessness. Therefore, there’s no need to control others or your surroundings to deal with life.

His love for you is constant, unchanging, and unwavering. Therefore, there’s no need to perform to get his attention.

He is always with you, and for you. He loves to rejoice over you as you’re trying to do what he gave you the power and grace to accomplish. Therefore, there’s no need to fear failure.

He is a genuine Father—loving, kind, joyful, encouraging, and truly good. Therefore, no matter what experiences you may have had in other relationships, there’s never a need to fear what he will say to you.

Allow yourself to be at peace in his presence right now. Trust in his love for you. Let his presence wash over you. Listen. Let him have access to your heart and your mind. Let him show you where you need to think differently, including repenting of self–destructive thoughts and habits. Let him speak to who you really are in him, receiving his strength, joy, grace, favor, and wisdom to become all he says is possible.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a completely new creation. The old has passed away, and behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).