Stop Worrying

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests 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 (NIV)

By definition “Worry”  means to give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.  It is a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.

Most days, I don’t think I worry or at least not to the point of anxiety.  I do tend to worry about the usual things – finances, the health of family, and business. And despite my best efforts and my hard fast “I am NOT political”, I am concerned about the state of the country and the world.  It is definitely the Social Worker in me.

I am a doer and I definitely do not have patience.  When life starts to unravel and things seem out of control, I do everything I can to fix them.  When things can’t be fixed (by me), I worry.  I say that I put things in God’s hands but the reality is, when things don’t happen in MY time frame, I am quick to retrieve them and begin the process again of trying to fix them.

I never really thought of prayer as an action step until recently and I began my God bag.  When I read these verses, I have a clear picture of what action I should take to FIX things.  Although I still have no control over certain situations, I am bringing it before the Almighty One who did. And that was the very best “doing.”  I leave things in my God bag until prayers are answered.  I am beginning to think it is overflowing with worries but I know that God will handle them in his time.

When we carry the Word of God in our hearts, it becomes a weapon against worry and anxiousness.

Things beyond our control happen every day of our lives, but we can equip ourselves with the Truth that protects our hearts and minds. When we do this, the words become like a soothing balm for our anxious souls.

Confidence replaces doubt and peace replaces worry. We find sweet rest because instead of relying on our own strength to carry us, we rely on the promises found in Christ Jesus.

Are you worrying today?  Place your worries at God’s feet and leave them there.  Trust me when I say that this is much easier said then done, at least by me.  Just for today – I will place my worries at God’s feet and leave them there knowing that there are some things that I just can’t fix.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day as you relax, reflect and recharge!