There are times when I feel anxious about life. The future looks difficult and uncertain. Today is riddled with despair. Despair about the “what ifs.” And I don’t even always realize they are there. It’s like bugs on a hot summer day – buzzing around, making noise, distracting me.

Read: 2 Timothy 1:8; 2:1, 7

Paul writes to his young protege, Timothy, encouraging him in the difficult and uncertain work of leading a new church. Apparently, Timothy struggled like the rest of us. In a job that seemed beyond him, lacking confidence at times, leading people older than himself – Paul’s encouragement was founded in one thing: the abiding character of God.

Timothy didn’t have to be strong and clever, he needed to trust God. He needed to push pause when the buzzing of anxiety surrounded him and lean into who God is, not what he could accomplish.

Sunday is notoriously a difficult day for those who will return to work on Monday. Formally called the Sunday Doldrums, it is that anxiety and foreboding that hits when the reality of Monday morning squeezes into our unconscious thinking.

Two suggestions for Sunday doldrums: live in the moment and lean into God for the strength and direction he supplies. If you are a Jesus follower, you have the greatest resource in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Learning to rely on His strength can be daunting, but well worth the effort.

What kind of Monday foreboding is trying to rob your Sunday joy? Lean into the Spirit and rely on his strength and understanding as you live in the moment of Today.