February 10, 2014
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The Worry List
Life can be hard. We know there are going to be trials, temptations and heartache. This is a broken, sinful world, and we are imperfect people. The good thing is that if we know God, we have a Savior. We have a Counselor and Provider. We have a Comforter and Healer. He is mighty. He is able do far above anything we could ever imagine. He is loving and merciful. Yes, troubles will come, but knowing HIM changes everything. We can find peace in any storm. We can find hope, wisdom and strength for every problem. We have His promise that He will never forsake us. His love never gives up or runs out.
With all this in mind, I have made a list of things we, as God's children, should be worrying about.
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10.Yep. That's right. NOTHING.
(Php 4:6-7 NIV) 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.
Admittedly, I do get anxious about things. I think probably my biggest concerns are about my children. But, I have to remind myself that God is able to care for them without my help. I suppose one reason it is a bit hard for me is because for the first years of their lives, they were entrusted to my care, and I was the one who kissed their boo boos, protected them, rocked them, washed and fed them... all that stuff. But they are capable grown ups now with families of their own. Thankfully, both my girls and their husbands love and serve God. So.... they are in HIS amazing, strong, faithful hands.
So often we think in terms of CONTROL, when God wants us to LET GO! When we keep trying to solve every problem and work everything out, we are not giving God permission to do His thing. We tie ourselves up in knots worrying, scheming, striving, when we should just let go and trust. I am getting better at doing this for my own life, but I admit to struggling over my kids.
Sometimes God has to "smack me up" and sit me down to ask, "DO YOU REALLY TRUST ME? Do you believe I am able? Do you doubt My love or My abilities?"
"No, Lord. I know You love us and You can do ANYTHING."
"All right then. Let go, and let ME."
I love the way The Message Bible translates this portion of scripture. Soak in it today, my friends. Let go and let HIM!
(Mat 6:30-34 MSG) "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Good to know, yes?
Comments (8)
I admit to having a problem with this very topic. Thanks for the reminder!
Good Morning, Pastor Mae.
My wife thinks life should be worry free and go smoothly and is frustrated by that. lol
I feel that since we live in a sinful world and I am a sinner that trouble will come. I am very happy that most of my life goes well. Once in awhile God sends me a bonus--like an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii by an employer. He also sent me five near death experiences in the hospital during a three week stay. He sends both for my development.
I get illnesses, but God uses the medical people and the immune system He created to get me well.
I needed money so He gave me jobs.
I need the love of a beautiful woman, and He sent me one whom I married.
Jesus said not to worry--Fat chance. The inclination is to worry, but we as Christians can take our worry and cast it on the Lord.
We have have fear, but He sends us courage.
All can seem lost, and then nothing bad really happens.
I love your verses.
frank
I do still sometimes worry, but if I pray for that to be lessened, and I am thankful for what I do have and not greedy, I am blessed, and my needs are provided for.
Yes, we all have hard times, and our faith pulls us through and even can make us grow from our trials and tribulations.
I correct people and remind they that God doesn't give them more than He and you can bear together.
My job on this earth is to not change the world but to accept life as it is.
Excellent devotional/sermon upon which to meditate and apply. I don't tend to worry, but yes, there can be some things which sneak in and push the "worry-button!"
I've been memorizing Psalm 37:4-8 this past week, and have been blessed much. Here is vs. 7 from the NLT (I memorize in KJV, but I really enjoy studying other modern translations).
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." ~ Hugs!
Wow Mae. You have a long list of worries. I only have three.
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Oh and sometimes I worry that I might forget to put pants on before going to work, but so far that hasn't happened.
I read a book a while back titled "Surrender to Divine Providence". Worrying and challenging the will of God are counter productive. Sometimes we just need to surrender to whatever will be will be.
We can still try to make a difference in the world around us, but we needn't fret over the things that are not in our right to affect.
your faith is beautiful Donna and saves you
Love
Michel