It’s been a week of small, hard stops. Three times a day for five minutes to try to slow the breath, quiet the noise and declutter the soul.

One week in and I’ve already missed a few, days when the alarm clock blared and I just couldn’t drag myself up because of long hours and short sleep the night before. But this isn’t about some sort of list to check so we get up each day knowing mercies are new and there’s always the chance to start afresh.

Our first week, those of us taking the 3x5Challenge focused on those couple of verses by the Poet Songwriter King. Verses that made us check what was racing the heart, what was making us heavy with anxiety. Because as People of the Cross, we’re blessed beyond all measure, walking in the sureness of His hand and we certainly don’t have time to be wasting on worry.

But sometimes we do. Or, as I learned this week, a lot of times I do. Oh, but a week of every day letting the timer on my phone remind me to stop and check my heart meant a week of facing that anxious spirit and letting go in the moment of whatever had me feeling ragged and rushed.

And maybe you too discovered last week that the more you sat and were still, the more you let The Word shine bright into the corners of your heart, then the more you started to see why you were feeling tired, anxious, depressed, insecure or any other of the hundred ways the Devil likes to keep us distracted.

 

This week, we’re taking The Word that is sharper than any two-edged sword and hacking away at the root of our discontent, discouragement, defeat, despair and general disconnect. We’re sweeping out the lies that have long lingered to make room for a fresh reminder of Truth.

If this past week you were:

Feeling like you’re life isn’t amounting to much, like you’re driving through roundabouts and left turns that never get you anywhere? It’s a hard truth to remember that heavens definition of success has never matched up well with this world’s.

Then maybe you need to write on your 3×5 card:

“God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Worried about the state of this fractured world, where evil just seems to be growing and righteousness seems right pushed aside?

Then three times a day grip this promise:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 

Stuck on a loop of lies that tell you you’re either not enough or too much? A heart so pockmarked with insecurity that you spend all your time trying to soothe the wounds rather than walking bold in the beautiful you that was made on purpose.

Remind yourself:

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Overwhelmed by the questions without an answer, the problems of today that threaten to derail your future? Are you looking at the storm when your eyes should stay locked on the Carpenter God?

Turn your anxiety into thanksgiving:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

Facing heavy grief, from the loss of friend or family to the death of a dearly held dream. Mourning is a season that we will all walk through many times, in many ways. You are not alone.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Whatever you face, whatever drags your heart to the weary depths, there’s Truth to be spoken, to be listened to and to be used in the daily battle of choosing joy, practicing gratitude and living by faith.

We’re People of the Cross. We’re not perfect, but we’re not alone. We’re not without our problems, but neither are we without hope. We may not know the next step but we know the One we’re following close.

Three times a day (and maybe more?), we’ll keep reminding ourselves of these words until they etch themselves in our heart and breathe life into our souls.

Doing a different verse on your 3×5 card this week? Please share!

 

And a big thank you to Jacqueline Fabricus for turning the above verses into FREE wallpaper images. Click on any of the image to download.