October Blues: Conquer the fear that lurks near the end of the year.
My dearest reader,
The final stretch for the year is here. We can see the finish line, the white ribbon stretched across the track, and either we will fly through it and take hold of the prize at the end, or we can cower and fall to the sidelines.
Similar to a race, life is a system of decisions. We do not reach our destination by merely hoping and dreaming. We must make wise, unemotional choices along the way. We must make them every single day.
If you are fighting the end-of-the-year blues, today may be a good time to read or review my e-book, 21-Days to Your Best Life Yet, for additional insight into finishing what you started. Because now is not the time to lose the fight, call it a day, or in a word—quit. No ma’am and no sir. You are created to prosper, to live with purpose and passion.
During a devotional reading by former co-anchor of Good Morning America and co-host of The View, Paula Faris shared words that rang true:
“…but God commands us to press through it, as he did in Joshua 1:9 when he instructed Joshua to take down the formidable walls of Jericho, saying, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).” She then gave instruction, “Spend some time considering what you’re being called to do vocationally (contemplate your unique gifts and talents). And, then focus on the BEST THING that can happen if you press into your fears and trust God with the next chapter of your life.”
If you are a righteous disciple of Jesus Christ, you can trust the promise found in Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB1995. And when fear and trepidation schedule a routine visit right before the onslaught of holidays, we can remind those stinkers that we did not invite them to our victory party. We can tell them our year, our lives, our “expected end” is not over, and we choose to be faithful until the end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
As I told myself this morning, because healthy self-talk is glorious, I said, “Leah, be strong and courageous. You don’t have to do anything by yourself, for God goes before you and is with you.”
You may want to meditate on these truths, too.
I hope you do, and I hope you will also believe and receive God’s best for you. Sincerely,
Leah