Trust and Let Go

“Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to your lifespan?  So, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Matthew 6:27, 34

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This portion of “The Sermon on the Mount” reminds us that worry and anxiety have no benefit. So, Jesus encourages us to trust God, unconditionally loving, infinitely compassionate, everywhere present, all the time, and release our need to direct the future.
• Trusting in God and a benevolent Universe which provides for all creation is a hallmark of spiritual maturity.
• Jesus also reminds us that God is in charge of the Universe and our lives. Throughout the Gospels, he offers much practical advice about this. But he doesn’t, for example, run after people he has healed to be sure that they’re taking their medicine.
• Numerous mental health professionals note that many of us live in a state of hypervigilance, a vortex of constant anxiety that can literally makes us sick. Yet, when we attempt to relieve our anxiety by overfunctioning (sometimes called “helicoptering”), we actually exacerbate our stress and sometimes create additional chaos or unnecessary drama.
• Overfunctioning — attempting to do more than is ours to do — projects perceived deficiencies onto others so we feel better. It’s a destructive behavior that erodes trust between us and those we love.
• Discernment helps us recognize when we overfunction, so we can trust and let go.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What do I feel worried or anxious about?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all which applies.

• When I consider these worries or anxieties, which are about me and my life?
  • List, word map, or illustrate what they are.
  • Next, list, word map, or illustrate what you can do to surmount them.
  • Determine which things you can do today.
  • Then determine what can be done on other, additional days.

• When I consider these worries or anxieties, which are about someone else?
  • List, word map, or illustrate what they are.
  • Then, list, word map, or illustrate how you are overfunctioning to relieve your own discomfort.

• How has my worry, anxiety, and/or overfunctioning caused drama or chaos for me or someone else?
  • List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.

• What are some specific things I’ve neglected doing for my own well-being because I’ve tried being responsible for someone who can be responsible for themselves?
  • List, word map, or illustrate everything you’ve neglected.

• When I consider what I’ve neglected, what are at least three (3) things I’m willing to do to put my well-being first?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.

• What are at least three (3) ways I can ease my anxiety or worry?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine. If you have a recommended mental health treatment plan, give thanks for it and use it for your self-care.

• What are at least three (3) ways I can feel more trusting of God and a benevolent Universe which always seeks to support me?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.

Work with this devotional slowly, for as long and as often as you like.  To make it easier, schedule time each day for quiet contemplation, prayer and meditation.  Even if you can’t be completely still, practice deep breathing and gentle movement so you feel self-connected and self-aware.

Also, remind yourself that you aren’t responsible for the whole world’s happiness.  Notice when you overfunction.  Pause.  Affirm your own inner strength.  Place your faith and trust in God.  Then, let go.

© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.