I should leave, I thought as I waited in the lobby of a large corporate company.
I was minutes away from interviewing for my first job after college. As my sweaty hands shook, I heard my heart pounding, the vibrations ringing in my ears. To me, a twenty-two-year-old college graduate, this interview was everything. My whole life hinged on this moment—or so it seemed.
“Dan?”
“That’s me,” I said with a quivering voice.
Two of the most confident men I had ever been in the presence of led me to a conference room. And here I was, scared out of my mind, thinking I might faint at any moment. We sat, and the person who did most of the talking dialed Matt, another team member.
My throat quickly dried as I answered their questions, and I could no longer get any words out. I tried to ask for a glass of water but couldn’t. The next thing I knew, they were all laughing hysterically. One yelled into the speakerphone, “Matty! He can’t even talk!” That did not end up being my first job out of college.
With the amount of unknown that engulfs human life, getting anxious and fearful is easy. However, God has reminded us daily to let go of our fears.
God is all-knowing, but He also realizes we are not. This message is repeated throughout Scripture because God knew anxiety would riddle our hearts. But when we present our requests to God, His peace covers our hearts and minds. We can find this peace in some of the most difficult, heart-wrenching situations. That’s why Paul says this peace “transcends all understanding.”
I did end up getting a job during the summer after graduation. I look back on that botched interview and think, What was I so worried about back then? This will be the same question we’ll ask ourselves when we’re dwelling in the kingdom, looking back on this short blip of time we had on earth.
I encourage you not to be anxious about anything. If something causes stress and anxiety, present it to God through gratitude, prayer, and petition. He will clothe you with His calming peace.
What keeps you from experiencing God’s peace?
(photo courtesy of pixabay and pezibear)
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Dan Roos is a freelance writer for small businesses. He creates blogs, web copy, and social media posts and specializes in areas of fitness and health, lifestyle, and faith. Check out his website at chosenfreelance.com.