by Jannette Fuller
The Kids & Me Contributor
My journey toward mental and emotional well-being has taught me a
lot. Especially in the past two years. Out of all the information I’ve gathered, the
Lord took my focus, and zeroed in on three areas: acceptance, letting go, and
trust. The essentials needed so I could heal, change, and grow. To get stronger,
from the inside out. Even though it’s been uncomfortable, I’ve been putting them
into practice every day.
Acceptance has helped me to reflect on my past (and present) mistakes with more
honesty. More clarity, too. Despite the wrongs done to me, it hurts to know a lot of
my issues came from myself. I made bad choices based on a lack of knowledge,
misunderstanding, desperation, and fear. But it was the consequences of sins—and
disobedience to the Lord—that made it harder to deal with.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These
desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth
to death (James 1:14-16 NLT).
That said, accepting the outcomes of my actions have brought freedom. But not in
a profound-sort-of way. Just enough to move on from regret and guilt in order to
pursue forgiveness and hope. My hope for a better version of myself (becoming the
woman the Lord’s called me to be) and living the life He’s called me to live. It’s
also helped me to accept the reality of my humanity when tempted to sin, and the
grace of the Lord to keep me from doing so.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And
God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can
stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure
(1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).
Although acceptance has been challenging, it hasn’t compared to my everyday
battles with control. Not in the sense of abuse or power, but by stressing over the
welfare of others, life in general, and myself. It was the unknown and what-ifs that
caused a tremendous amount of anxiety and exhaustion. Every time I prayed, and
things didn’t turn out the way I wanted, my faith would diminish. I expected happy
outcomes—Every. Single. Time. I know…so unrealistic. The struggle is MORE
real when you’re a highly sensitive, or empathetic person, like me. Ugh. Still, it’s
normal to worry, just not to the point of feeling vulnerable. Panic-stricken and
drained. Despite that, I’ve been getting better at letting go and letting God.
A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away
(Ecclesiastes 3:6 NIV).
One of the ways He’s been helping me to change is by focusing on the day at
hand. And the present moment. It’s helped my energy levels (mentally,
emotionally, and physically) from being used on things out of my control. The
outcomes that may, or may not, happen.
Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your
way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself (Matthew 6:34 TPT.)
I’ve come a long way accepting my repercussions and weaknesses--issues with
anxiety, trauma, family, social life, and physical health--but not to the point of
giving up. I ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage me every day. And He
always does. When it comes to the Bible, I ask Him for understanding, focus, and
faith. To take my head knowledge and transfer it into my heart. The place where
His love, truth, hope, and life can take root.
Until His return, I’ll keep trusting Him to overcome my struggles, learning to let
go when needed. No matter who or what that consists of. How or when it’ll play
out. There’s so much more to my story, but hopefully what I’ve shared encourages
you. And if you want to work on acceptance, then accept the Lord’s love
for you. If you’re ready to let go, then cast all your anxieties onto Him. And if
you’re willing to trust someone, then trust Him.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8 NLT.)