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…to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:23-28 (ESV)

“What a beautiful world the Lord placed us in.” We want to be able to say that every morning when we rise, don’t we? But isn’t it hard in the face of loss? The Lord has compassion for our grief, but still expects us to turn our hearts to gratitude for what we’ve been given in life. Gratitude prepares our hearts for Heaven.

So, how do we get to that place where we can declare the beauty of our lives and God’s creation easily, in spite of our struggles? After all, isn’t it a normal part of being human to sometimes find ourselves waking up with a feeling of dread overtaking us?

I set out to answer this question after going through the pain of a widow’s walk for years. First, I observed my patterns— particularly on those days when I seemed to wake up with a cloud hanging over my head. I resolved to get to the bottom of whatever it was that was aching me each time it happened.

What I discovered was fascinating. Once my anxious thought would subside, I could see there really wasn’t much truth in them. In fact, life is actually pretty darn good!

Scripture tells us to:

“…put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:25-28

Even the most dedicated Christians struggle with the enemy’s lies.

So how do you move through them and get back to your more motivated stable and joyful life?

The next time you awake with that pit in your stomach, try these steps.

1- Ask what was the seed of those dreadful thoughts?

Was it normal grief? You will need to experience and express your sorrow, so give yourself permission to.

But deep down, you know if it’s something more. Did someone say something hurtful and you took offense? Did you look at social media and begin the if-only’s? If only he hadn’t gotten sick. If only I had someone new in my life. If only I had a bigger nest-egg.

2 – Recognize thinking patterns that lead to dread.

Taking time to trace back the thoughts can lead you to a solution. You can recall other times you made that “wrong turn” in your thoughts and how you were able to turn it around and find your joy again.

When I’m either tired or there was some offense during the day, I tend to retreat at night to some familiar routines. I’ll wander onto social media to say hello to friends, only to see reminders of the husband I lost or begin to compare to other lives of those who still have their hubbies.

Sometimes I’ll use my down time to glance at the news. News cycles rarely give you any peace to take with you into your dreams at night.

The result? I often went to sleep with the wrong thoughts swarming about my head— comparing my life to others or worrying about something I saw on the news. Is it any wonder I awoke feeling bleak is about the future?

3 – Remember that motion creates emotion.

God designed our physical bodies to work within His will to calm your anxieties. So when you are downcast, move! You’ll be surprised at the new outlook being active gives you. Next month, look for part two on this series. We will explore ways to let the Creator back in your heart bring you better mornings!

Dear God,

Can you be with my sisters each morning and help them remember they aren’t the only ones who awake feeling out of sorts sometimes. Help them recognize patterns so that they can turn the enemy’s lies over to You and replace them with Your Truth. Amen.