Everyone says that being a Christian is about being all in or all out. Once you believe, you’re saved forever. But I’ll be honest—I was in and out for years. As a child, I preached to my stuffed animals and had an amazing, almost perfect, junior high experience. But then came college. And like many, I had my own journey, my own struggles. Even now, the past sometimes tries to pull me down, but that’s just condemnation. I’ve learned not to be ashamed of my story. God isn’t ashamed of me, so why should I be?
Anxiety and Worry: The Enemy’s Distraction
Who here has ever felt stressed, worried, or anxious? We all have. Anxiety is such a buzzword right now—it even made the main role in Inside Out 2! Worry and anxiety go hand in hand. Once worry enters your mind, it invites anxiety, which then lets fear sneak in. And when fear comes, it locks the door behind it, refusing to leave.
But God tells us not to fear or be anxious 365 times in the Bible—one for every day of the year!
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself.” —Matthew 6:34
Worry and anxiety aren’t from Christ. They’re tactics from the enemy meant to distract us from being present, from praising and giving gratitude to God. A grateful heart and a worried heart cannot exist at the same time—you have to choose. So, let’s practice gratitude.
Faith as a Muscle
Faith is like a muscle—it has to be worked out. Think about top athletes like Tiger Woods, Patrick Mahomes, or Simone Biles. They didn’t become champions by accident; they practiced. The same applies to faith. When trials come, it’s time to exercise our faith.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” —Philippians 4:9
The enemy wants you to miss the goodness of God in the moment. But when we recognize his tactics, we can fight back. And one of the best ways to fight depression is simple—count your blessings.
Finding Perspective in God’s Creation
When I struggle, I go outside, let my dog run, and gaze at the stars. It reminds me of God’s vastness and power. Twice in Revelation, Jesus is described as holding the stars in His right hand. That perspective shift—from looking down in worry to looking up in awe—can change everything.
“All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll.” —Isaiah 34:4
Leadership and Stepping Up
True leadership starts with knowing who you are and
whose you are. Your identity is in Christ, not in what the world says about you. My husband, a former NFL player, defines leadership simply: Action speaks louder than words. Most people won’t step up, but as Christians, we are called to say yes—to God, to serving others, and to doing the right thing.
“Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” —1 Peter 3:16
Your Thoughts Shape Your Life
One of the most important things I’ll tell you is this: Your worth comes from pleasing God, not from people. Humans will always fall short—it’s only natural. But God never will. Your thoughts are powerful. They shape your emotions, which shape your actions. So take your thoughts captive. Align them with truth, not fleeting feelings.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” —Jeremiah 1:5
Your life didn’t start when you were born—your spirit already existed with Him. That means you are never alone.
Living for an Audience of One
When we learn to live for an audience of One, life becomes easier. Our identity is not in achievements, people’s opinions, or even our struggles. God desires us to bear the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
So if you’re feeling weighed down, worried, or anxious, remember:
Look up. Shift your perspective from the weight of the world to the vastness of God.
Practice gratitude. A thankful heart and a worried mind cannot coexist.
Take your thoughts captive. You have the power to shift your mindset.
Know your worth. It’s not defined by others but by the God who created you.
God doesn’t want your life to be hard—He wants it to be full. Full of faith, trust, and joy. And as you walk this journey, know that He is always with you, guiding you, growing you, and loving you through it all.
Let’s step up, live boldly, and flourish in faith together.
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