Living 4 Him

“Can you add a single hour to your life by worrying?” Matthew 6:27

Here’s some wisdom I’ve learned through gardening over many years.  Pulling weeds is easier when the weeds are small. 

The same is true with worry.  Stopping small worries is easier than letting them grow into monster-size worry. 

The master gardener, God our Creator, knows the best way to pluck out the weeds of worry. 

During Jesus’ many lessons on living life, he emphasized that there was no need to be afraid or worried.  Nearly a dozen times he uses the words, “Do not be afraid” or “Do not worry.” Near the end of his time with the disciples, he reminds them to “take heart.  I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  Our relationship with God through Jesus is the antidote to worry.

God’s presence.  God’s sovereign knowledge.  God’s immeasurable power.  These are all reasons to never be afraid or worried. However, implementing Jesus’ advice may seem hard if worrying is your default.  As a top-notch worrier, here are some suggestions I have collected or used over the years. 

Schedule one block of time during the day to worry: In a recent devotion, the author told about her father who was a worrier.  He became fed up with the worries that plagued him all day long, so he picked 5:00 as his time to worry every day.  He would write down concerns as they came. When 5:00 came he sat with his worries and gave them one by one to God.  Some of them didn’t seem as worrisome when he faced them at 5:00.  But he felt much better putting them in God’s hands. 

Turn to worship instead of worry: As worries creep in, let your focus land on God’s greatness.  Think about God’s capability in handling whatever is bothering you.  Remember God’s magnificence in creating the world.  Relish how much God loves you.  Take several moments to give God praise for his greatness and you’ll calm your spirit. 

Fill your mind with scripture: 

Phillipians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares about you.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

Hebrews 13:6 The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?

Joshua 1:9  Be strong and of good courage.  Be not afraid for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.

Verbalize your trust in God:  If a worry comes into your mind, counteract the thought with your trust by saying, “You are the God who will help me through.”  If you have anxiety about an upcoming trip, say “You are the God who will be with me and will supply my needs.” If you have a decision to make that is causing stress, say “You are God who guides me and holds me.  You will help me with this decision.” 

When worry invades it stops our souls in their tracks.  Put your trust in God and pluck worry out of the garden of your soul.  

Reaching in (allowing God’s words to work in your soul):  Read these passages to find God’s comforting peace and presence.  John 14: 1-4, John 14: 27-29, John 16: 31-33, Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:4-7

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): Use this prayer by Norman Vincent Peale to focus your fears and release them to God.

Heavenly Father, I’m worried and full of fear. I have tried to reassure myself, but it doesn’t help. Touch me with your peace and help my disturbed mind know that, with you, I need fear no evil. Amen.