Letting Go of the Self-Talk of Fear and Control
Come to Me. Stay with Me. Whom are you talking to throughout the day? For you are always talking to somebody. It could be yourself; it could be fear. It could be self-control talking. But let it be love. That is who always wants to talk to you–love. Guard your heart. Let all your conversations with yourself be reframed. Ask yourself: am I speaking with Love? Yes? No? To whom am I speaking? Draw in. Draw deeper. Be outside yourself–in the world and outside the world–as you are inside your heart, where I speak.
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King Solomon urged us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
This day, as we relax into the presence of Jesus, we ask him to guide us, shepherd us, and hold us close.
So, first, as we get settled somewhere comfortable and good–a place where our hearts can rest and find solace–breathe in deeply through your nose, feeling your diaphragm rise. And then slowly release that breath through your open mouth, feeling your lungs expel the air all the way out.
Do this steady mindful breathing for a few minutes, letting your body sync with your mind and heart.
Stay here. There is no need to rush. Continue to breathe deeply and deliberately.
Jesus, fill my lungs with your air. Father, your breath is my breath. Let me inhabit this space with you now.
Next, consider what concerns are pressing on you. What burdens are you holding onto, all on your own? Give each one to Jesus now, one by one.
Jesus, I give you…..
And let Him take them. See Him taking them.
Jesus, I trust you…..
Name how you are, at this moment, deciding to trust Him.
I wasn’t trusting you with……and now I am choosing to trust you. (Linger here. See him, listen for him.)
Let your heart rest now, closing your eyes and being present with the Father, Jesus, or Holy Spirit. Give him your attention and your imagination as you enjoy a time of worship. The lyrics to the following song, “Joy to Be,” by Citizens, might be words you want to offer to God. Keep your heart open now, cognizant of its connection to the One who loves you most:
O the joy to be, joy to know
O the joy to be, joy to know
It's when I decrease, You fill up my soul
What a joy to see, joy to hold
It's when You increase, I want nothing more
Open my hands, humble my heart
All that I have is Yours
Color my prayers, widen my eyes
Wash me in glorious light
O the joy to be, joy to know
It's when I decrease, You fill up my soul
What a joy to see, joy to hold
It's when You increase, I want nothing more
Hasten my ears, bridle my tongue
Focus my heart to hear
Settle my pace, purge me of pride
Again and again, You provide
What does this song of worship remind you about God’s character? What did your heart remember about God and his presence with you now?
Stay with these lyrics. Let your heart sing out to Him.
After a few more minutes of worship, let’s return to the words heard in prayer:
Come to Me. Stay with Me. Whom are you talking to throughout the day? For you are always talking to somebody. It could be yourself; it could be fear. It could be self-control talking. But let it be love. That is who always wants to talk to you–love. Guard your heart. Let all your conversations with yourself be reframed. Ask yourself: am I speaking with Love? Yes? No? To whom am I speaking? Draw in. Draw deeper. Be outside yourself–in the world and outside the world–as you are inside your heart, where I speak.
Invite your heart to continue the conversation with God, considering his questions about to whom you speak throughout the day.
In the morning….
In the afternoon…
In the evening…
…..to whom is your heart speaking when it isn’t engaging with God? (The voice of worry or stress? The voice of self-contempt or shame? The voice of anger or fear? The voice of control or doubt?)
Lord, I confess…….
How is God inviting you to be with him in your relationships, your finances, your dreams about the future, your sadness, your joy, and your pain?
Let your heart interact with him deep within you.
Finally, ask God to show you how he wants to help you guard your heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
Lord, how do you want to help me to guard my heart?
Stay here with him for at least 5-10 minutes. Be patient. Play instrumental music if it helps you to block out distractions and listen attentively, with your whole heart, to his voice. He loves to talk to you.
Keep your heart’s gaze on him, concluding this Encounter with more worship. The songs below are suggestions.
Thank you, Lord. I feel your love for me. In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.
Worship Ideas:
“Joy to Be,” Citizens, Chaundra Jefferson
“Rest On Us,” Elle Limebear
“Open,” LO Worship
