I couldn’t seem to shake off the feeling of dread and fear of what the future might hold. Reading seemed to steer my thoughts away from the worry, but sleep still eluded me. In Psalm 4, David also was distressed and cried out to God. His process of dealing with anxiety gives us a pattern when our anxious thoughts disturb our sleep.

When we feel down, is God somehow absent, withholding divine pleasure from us? Is God frustrated with us for letting the weight of the world hinder our faith walk? No, He is present and active in our lives. But it doesn't fix these gloomy, depressed, stressed-out days. What can be done?

Even after becoming a Christ follower at the age of twenty, I continued to worry constantly over what other people thought of me. I was easily offended and doubted anyone could truly love me. After many years now of a growing relationship with Jesus, I am learning how to deal with negative thoughts.

Sometimes it is the hidden fears that keep us from peace and limit our potential. They are like pets that we nurture and allow to become part of our identity, but with God’s help there is always hope to overcome.

Recently, I was brought through a situation that was riddled with sudden loss. Where I would normally find joy, I only felt despair. Yet something unexpected happened. While my soul was wrapped in sorrow, my spirit was suddenly filled with complete joy. This was truly a miracle, a a Jesus miracle, for He is the only one who can bring true joy within the depths of pain and melancholy.

If this world has taught us anything in recent months it is this: We are not in control. Our peace of mind has been assaulted with uncertainty, loss of health, security and life as we’ve known it. These are things we have all relied on and with them now in question we must decide where to turn. Is it the news? Is it the “experts”? Or is it a God who is not surprised by anything?

God loves us and reaches out for us constantly. How can we, on our ends, cultivate a solid connection with Him? One that withstands whatever we’re going through and however we’re feeling? Let’s talk about some intentional mental practices we can use daily to “set our minds on things above.”