This morning I woke up with a million things on my mind. My list to-do was beckoning me and reminding me I needed to get a thousand things accomplished in the next 24 hours before we go out-of-town. I could immediately feel my body grow tense, my hands became clammy, and my thoughts turned to anxiousness and worry.

Some struggle with anxiety more than others but many of us have moments of worry right? We look at our days and we become overwhelmed at either the look of our house, our lists to-do, or even our workload?

Instead of jumping right into the craziness of the day, what if we began our day with Jesus to quiet our souls and ease our minds?

Knowing that I had a busy day ahead of me, I did just that. I grabbed my Jesus Calling devotional and today’s encouragement was a sweet reminder to tune my thoughts to Jesus and not look to far ahead into the future or into the day.

I love what it said,

“If you must consider upcoming events, follow these rules: 1) Do not linger in the future because anxieties sprout up like mushrooms when you wander there. 2) Remember the promise of My continual Presence; include Me in any imagery that comes to mind. This mental discipline does not come easily, because you are accustomed to being god of your fantasies. However, the reality My Presence with you, now and forevermore, outshines any fantasy you could ever imagine.”

I’m not sure about you but I need this reminder especially when it comes to busy days full checkmarks and errands. My list was telling me to go grocery shopping, get our car fixed, drop kids off at school, pick kids up from school, pack and clean all before tomorrow but today’s encouragement reminded me to pause and focus on Him.

I was reminded to not only acknowledge God’s continual presence in my life but look for glimpses of him throughout the day as I am accomplishing tasks. I love how it says to include God in any imagery that comes to mind.

As you begin your list to-do today is there anything that you notice around you, in your house, or outside that reminds you of Jesus?

For me, it’s flowers. Flowers remind me of God’s growing and pruning in my life. Flowers come and go as seasons change and this reminds me: God is constantly stretching us, growing us, and strengthening us with each passing season. He is there for us. And if he takes care of the flowers and the trees, he will continually take care of us.

Another great reminder (or imagery) I noticed today was an artwork on the sidewalk right outside my boy’s school. It was Mickey mouse and a bible verse. It was just the encouragement I needed!

What do you notice around you?

Instead of getting caught up in the frantic busyness of your day today, stop and acknowledge God’s presence in your life. Remind yourself of a verse or look for something around you that you can carry or look to, to reflect on Him. Take the initiative on this before worry and anxiety run you ragged. This will quiet your soul and your body and you will be able to focus on what is most important when you have a lot on your plate.

Lord, I pray that you will quiet our souls with your presence and your love today. Guide us as we center our thoughts back to you. Show us things throughout the day that remind us of you and who you are. Thank you for your creation and that it reminds us of your love for us. I pray that as we conquer our lists to-do we will first turn to you and focus on you in all that we do. Thank you that you give us grace, “so that in all things and at all times we will abound in every good work.” ( 2 Corinthians 9:8)