You ever have just one of those days?

You know what I mean. The kind of days that feel like everything goes wrong. Between my need for control and my constant battle with anxiety, I have these kinds of days way more often than I would like to admit. I had one on Saturday. And again, today.

Today started out pretty great. I have started assistant coaching high school cross country at a local school, and we have camp this week, which has been pretty fun. I'm still getting connected with the students and the other coaches, but I think it's just going to be an incredible opportunity. But as the day went on, it felt like things just got worse. I should have been stoked because we had an awesome event planned for youth ministry tonight, but a series of events made it less than magnificent. The worst part is, looking back, they all were such minor things that shouldn't have bothered me nearly as much as they did. But there are so many days that the smallest things cause me such strife. And it's ridiculous.

Tonight as I sat down to consider what I'd write about this week, I just couldn't shake the feelings from today. I couldn't shake the doubt, the discouragement, the struggle I've felt. But as I sit here writing this, I'm reminded of the One who loves me, who knows all, who is in control. I'm reminded that although today felt out of control, God was not surprised by one single thing. And even when I let the little things get me down, I know that I have joy and courage and comfort waiting for me in the Father. That He is waiting, arms open wide, for me to turn to Him in my moments of despair, discouragement, and doubt. The moments I feel most out of control are the moments that He can work in ways that are so much bigger than I could ever imagine.

So today, I want to encourage you. If you are having one of those days, look up. There is hope. There is peace. There is comfort. The God who comforts me as I write this wants to comfort you, too. He knows you intimately, and He wants you to know Him in return. He loves you more than you can ever fathom. So much so, that He sent his Son to die on a cross to reconcile you to Him. We live in a world that feels so very out of control. But we have the amazing opportunity to surrender to and serve the One who is in control.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

John 3:16-17