It was three in the morning. I rolled over in bed and was suddenly fully awake. My heart pounded, and my thoughts ping-ponged between financial worries, relationship conflicts, job dissatisfaction, and unmet expectations. Slowing my thoughts and calming my mind proved futile as I watched the time move to four and then five.
I would love to report that this was a short-lived season, but it lasted on and off for several years. I practiced calming sleep hygiene practices and avoided scrolling through social media posts, but the interrupted sleep with racing thoughts dominated many nights each week and left me frustrated, tired, and anxious.
God knew I had a limit and patiently waited for me to confess that I struggled with trusting Him. Instead of reprimanding me for having such little faith, He took me to this psalm: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
God didn’t give me false expectations that Christians with strong faith don’t experience fear and anxiety. Instead, He helped me understand the power of praying Scripture. When I felt afraid, I told Him and confessed my concerns. Gradually, the focus of my prayers changed to include trusting Jesus.
The opposition to embracing this new mindset felt strong, so sometimes I yelled that I trusted Jesus while, at other times, I whispered it. I began thanking and praising Him for His Word and often recited these verses. The power of that act of faith resulted in a calmer mind and better sleep. I am happy to share that I have significantly less fear and anxiety.
Reciting a specific Scripture isn’t like using a magic formula, but God’s Word has power. Find one and ask God to show you how you can pray. It may be a simple, one-sentence prayer or a couple of verses. Trust Him. He will make a way for you.
Lucia Poffinbarger has been on a journey with God for twenty-five years. She is trained in the medical field as a physical therapist and certified health coach and currently works with senior adults. She and her husband volunteer as life group leaders for their church, love to serve on the prayer team, and volunteer in children’s ministries. She is excited to explore this new adventure of writing devotionals to see how God will lead and use her to encourage others to a deeper relationship with Jesus.