Trust the Process

“But I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will bring down my fist on Egypt. Then I will rescue my forces – my people, the Israelites – from the land of Egypt with great acts of judgement. When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” Exodus 7:3-5

How are you with change? Big changes like unexpected loss or natural disasters, or small changes like traffic jams outside of rush hour or a flat tire. One of the most unnerving things that can happen when you’re dealing with anxiety is for things to not go according to plan. Whether it’s big or small, when planning and order are what keep you calm, change can be a problem. I don’t like change, and I can openly admit that. Because just like I conquer anxiety everyday, part of that conquering involves trusting the process.

Trust the process. When you think about how you deal with any stressful situation, what is the process involved? Do you count to 10? Maybe you vent. Is there a list of affirmations you recite to yourself? Whatever the process is, you trust it to help you get through the moment with as much clarity and ease as possible. The same thing rings true when conquering anxiety. But maybe that’s easier said than done. No worries, I’ve got some guidance for you!

First, take a deep breath and refocus your mind. Panicking won’t stop the problem from happening, but it will definitely make it worse. It will have you even more uncomfortable and unable to think through the change. So relax. Take control of your reaction to the situation and don’t let it make things harder for you. I love mindfulness meditation because it allows me to focus on the moment and not get consumed with my own anxious thoughts.

Once you’re calm, bring on those affirmations and reminders that this is not the end of the world. We tend to catastrophize situations when we’re anxious and think the worst. So tell yourself that this is a hurdle, not a full road black. You can and will get through this moment successfully and you will survive. If it helps (and this absolutely helps me) find a trusted group of loved ones who can empower you with positive affirmations and let them say them to and with you. Whatever it’s going to take to keep you from diving off the deep end, try to do it.

And most importantly, I want you to relinquish control and ownership of this change in your narrative. God doesn’t make any mistakes and if it’s happening it’s by his design. Remember Moses and his assignment in Egypt. God TOLD him that He was hardening Pharaoh’s heart to the words he was going to be saying to him. He said “But I will make Pharaoh’s heart stubborn so I can multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. Even then Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. So I will bring down my fist on Egypt. Then I will rescue my forces – my people, the Israelites – from the land of Egypt with great acts of judgement. When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 7:3-5) Everything was according to God’s design and His intended plan, so Moses had nothing to worry about. And neither do you! God has it all under control and if we let Him, He’ll work it out in the end.

So remember, trust the process! Clear your mind, think positively, and let things run their course according to God’s plan. He hasn’t failed yet, He’s not going to start now. I love you all, keep the faith!