Sometimes we go through life wringing our hands, fretting over the silliest things. We worry about our nails, wrinkles, pants size and popularity. We tend to forget the big picture.
We fail to remember that there is a God in heaven who loves each one of us perfectly. We all have insecurities. Not all of us can sing like Rihanna or write like J.K. Rowling. Each of us seeks approval and validation from those in our spheres, but we forget that the most important person in our lives loves us regardless of the small stuff - and we forget to teach our kids this, too.
Sometimes, we need to take a deep breath, step back and remember some important points. Here are some ways we can feel more peaceful and stop sweating the silly stuff.
Remember that we are God's children
When we stop and ponder that we are children of God, we better understand our purpose and destiny. This knowledge can sustain us through life's challenges and inspire us to accomplish great things. However, we have to do our part to receive God's promised blessings.
Matthew 7:13-14 (King James Version) says, "Enter ye at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
When we follow the counsel in this scripture, we become God's disciples, desiring to be obedient to His commandments. We experience greater peace and happiness in life as we follow His path, even when it's less popular to do so.
God knows things we don't
Sometimes obeying the commandments can seem too restrictive and not much fun. We wonder how important it is to obey all of God's commandments. Surely some are just optional, right?
It takes faith to remember that God is all-knowing. We often don't have the wisdom or capacity to understand why we're asked to do certain things. We also wonder why difficult things happen to us. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) asks us to, "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
We need to remember that the commandments of God aren't just good ideas. They are divine counsel, given to bring us peace in life and enable us to return to God in heaven.
He loves us today and always
When we make mistakes, it can be hard to believe that God still cares. However, God doesn't wait to love us until we have overcome our bad habits, says inspirational speaker Dieter F. Uchtdorf. God fully understands our struggles, and still he loves us today. He knows when we suffer and feel sorry. He also cherishes our successes, however small they seem.
"Do you think your value to Him changes based on how many followers you have on Instagram or Pinterest? Do you think He wants you to worry or get depressed if some un-friend or un-follow you on Facebook or Twitter? Do you think outward attractiveness, your dress size, or popularity make the slightest difference in your worth to the One who created the universe? He loves you not only for who you are this very day but also for the person of glory and light you have the potential and desire to become," says Uchtdorf.
When we put our selfish desires aside and trust God enough to obey his commandments, life will be better. By following him, we'll find out what it truly means to be a child of God.
Remember, you are God's child. He knows things that you don't. He loves you today and always, no matter your weaknesses.
