1) Realize that God means you to be where you are.
It’s comforting in a strange sort of way to realize that God means for you to be right here, right now. Okay, then—maybe you shouldn’t squirm or try to get away. This is usually the toughest to accept, but once you do, it becomes easier to move forward. We face these issues in our lives by God’s appointment and for His purpose. We may not understand that purpose yet, but we can rest assured He hasn’t abandoned us. That realization shapes our attitude as we face trials.
2) Let go of how life ought to be and find joy in what your life currently is.
We can’t change the past or the things that happened to us. To move forward, we must stop making excuses and blaming others. Forgiveness is the only way to set ourselves free. God has great plans for your life—don’t waste time in self-pity or playing the blame game. Excuses keep you stuck; forgiveness sets you free.
3) Ruthlessly eliminate all expectations of how your day should be.
Stop second-guessing yourself. You are more than enough. All the strength you need is already within you. Focus less on “I was” or “I will be.” The only place change happens is in the “I AM.” The past is gone, the future isn’t here yet—all that matters is what you do now.
4) Receive everything that happens today as having passed through God’s sovereign hands.
When we live in the now, every moment is filled with potential. Worry creates more worry. Joy creates more joy. Doubt, worry, and anger are choices—and so are joy, gratitude, happiness, and love. These are always available in the present moment.
5) Know that all things today—including irritations and disappointments—work for your good (Romans 8:28).
God shaped you uniquely and planned every day of your life to support that shaping. That means nothing in your life is insignificant. If you’re in a circumstance, God intends it for good. The universe is safe for you. Nothing comes to you—or to Christ in you—unless it first passes through God’s loving hands. You have no reason to fear.
6) You can’t control what others do, but you can control what you do and how you react.
You are unique. There is no one else like you in the universe. Stop comparing yourself to others. To become who you are meant to be, do more of what you love and enjoy. That will put you on the right path and inspire others. You can’t stop people from judging, but you can stop letting it steal your peace.
7) Shift the responsibility to God to change the things you cannot.
It’s His worry, not yours (1 Peter 5:7). Striving comes from forgetting how deeply you are loved. Love brings rest. You are greatly loved. Depending on God is faith in God. Everything you have is a gift—your life, your breath, your needs—He is your source.
Blessings,
Ben
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