"Who of you by worrying can add a single day to his life?" (Matthew 6:27)
Are you like me, a worrier? I often fall into a trap of self-sufficiency when I worry or when I am anxious about something or someone. I get caught up into my own thoughts, and let anxiety wrap me up in myself. I honestly feel sometimes like I am not doing my job if I don't worry about something! Life can seem so out of control at times, and when I don't stay centered on God and His perfect timing, the burdens I am carrying are needlessly overwhelming. I realize that I have just spent valuable time worrying and letting obstacles get in my way rather than letting God take charge! When I am faithful and turn my worries into heartfelt prayer, I begin to experience peace knowing that God is truly in control. I read somewhere; "Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust." (Unknown)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Worrying is time wasted and is one of the least productive activities we can do, but it is also one of the hardest things not to do! When I look to God, come face to face with Him and trust in His guidance, I can break free and receive His help. When I keep my eyes focused on God, I realize I truly have nothing to worry about. I feel safe! He will take care of all of our todays and all of our tomorrows, and knowing this releases us from worry as we place our trust in Him for everything.
"At night we need to empty our hearts and minds and lay the contents at the foot of Jesus' cross. We need to ask Him to sort through it while we sleep and take away those things which could be harmful, leaving only what is beneficial in growing us into His likeness." (Tupyi)
I know that I just don't have the time and energy to waste on worrying these days! And as I continue to mature in my walk with God, I focus more on turning it over to Him and realize that He has a wonderful plan for my life, which includes taking care of my every need. I need to stay focused on God, and trust in our relationship rather than worry about the circumstances around me. God promises that all that we need will be provided in His good timing and I am pretty sure that He knows what He is doing!
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
It's Winsome Wednesday, and I am hooking up with Tracy at "My daily Walk in His Grace!"
"Worry is..." I'm totally with you on "Worthless, Useless, Needless," and "Senseless". I must say, "Faithless" and "Godless" sound kind of harsh on someone who's probably down on himself or herself enough already. Either way, though, I agree entirely with your point, and was having these same thoughts myself today. (See this post if you're interested to know to what I'm referring).
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteI am a chronic worrier, and although I have gotten much better I still fall into the trap of worry, I too feel like I am not doing my job if I don't worry. In an odd sort of way when we in are in some tight spots it feels unatural not to worry about the circumstances we are in, but He is our Savior, our Redeemer our deliverer He has it all figured out, our job is to be obedient.
Blessings to you Denise.
I think worry is something most (if not all!) of us struggle with. What a great formula for peace....worry replaced by prayer equals trust. I heard a wonderful teaching on God's law of supply and demand once that transformed my life. Whenever we have a need...(for guidance, wisdom, peace, patience, provision, anything!) God has a supply. We simply need to pray and then rest in His faithfulness to take care of it or provide it. What IF we just knew everything was working out perfectly? Aaaahhhh...that's the key isn't it?! Romans 8:28 to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I am always blessed here~
~Stacy
Love this quote Denise... "Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust." I don't have time to waste on worry either... I get a lot more done just Trusting God! Thanks for this encouragement :)
ReplyDeleteI love the scriptures used here and also the quote from 'Tupyi'. Thank you for your insight, I think I will ask Jesus to sort through all the stuff for me when I go to bed tonight. (that's usually when it all runs around in my mind!)
ReplyDelete~Blessings~
"Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust."
ReplyDeleteLove that quote. This is a great post with some good advice!
Blessings...Chelle
Great thoughts, yes so very wasteful. Worrying really doesn't accomplish anything. It robs us of our peace, joy and precious time. By the way, I have just started a new blog hop ... check it out and see if you want to get involved. Would be nice to have you :)
ReplyDeleteA great reminder of how important it is to put all our trust in God. It is easier said than done though isn't it? We like to pick our worries up and take control - which when we stop to think about it is crazy - and yet, we still do it so often. I need to learn to let go and give it all over to God more. I love that quote by Tupyi - to hand it all over to Him at night and let him sort it out whilst sleeping. Bring on worry free mornings :)
ReplyDeleteThank you
Jo
I struggle at times with worry. I loved the quote you included:
ReplyDelete"At night we need to empty our hearts and minds and lay the contents at the foot of Jesus' cross. We need to ask Him to sort through it while we sleep and take away those things which could be harmful, leaving only what is beneficial in growing us into His likeness." (Tupyi)
Since it is 2am when I am reading this post, I think I will return to bed and try to take this to heart.
Blessings and love,
Debbie