Don't Be Anxious

Last week I wrote about the verse "Be still and know that I am God."  I included a chart that breaks down the verse.  I really try to live by that verse and all that it means.

BUT sometimes I worry.  I don't want to worry.  It takes so much energy, and distracts me from my focus on the Lord.  But I do catch myself worrying.  The other night I couldn't sleep.  In the midst of being wide awake, I started worrying about a pain I had.  In no time at all that worry was spiraling out of control.  I had to very consciously rein in my thoughts, and focus on the Lord.  I needed to be still and remember that God is with me!!  If I'm focusing on the Lord, there's no room for worry!

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?''  Luke 12:25,26

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  Psalm 56:3

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

I  don't want to be a "worry wart" like we sometimes called people when I was growing up.  I want my focus always and continually to be on our wonderful Lord!

I'm Grateful

There's a question that I've often been asked.  I imagine you've had it too.  Someone will say "how are you?"  The standard answer is "I'm fine."  But many times that wasn't the case.  I wasn't fine.  I may have been sick in some way - or discouraged - or overwhelmed.  But people don't want to hear a litany of those things.  They're usually just being polite in asking the question.

Recently someone shared on the FaceBook prayer page something her pastor had taught.  When someone asks "how are you?" - a good answer is "I'm grateful."  I love that!!!  And it's true.  Even in hard times, my heart is grateful.  It's the perfect answer to that question.

Some things I'm grateful for today:

• Sunshine!!  The last few days have been sooo cold.  The sun today warms my heart and my body.

• Grocery delivery!  One good thing that the pandemic brought is delivery service.  I can order just about anything and have it delivered.

• Friends!  A friend came over today to help me with something.  I so appreciated it.

• Strength!  I had a long list of things to accomplish, and the Lord gave me strength to make it through the list.

• The internet!  It allows me to communicate with all of you from right here in my home.  I'm old enough to remember when we had to communicate with letters.  It took days to get a message to someone.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

My heart is cheerful - filled with gratitude.

When I face challenging situations (I’ve had a few this week) - I face a big temptation!  To worry!  My mind for details thinks through everything about the projects.  If I'm not careful, I can get bogged down in the pit of worry.  I have to continually give things to the Lord.  Even in the midst of a stressful project I had this week, I had to walk away, sit down, and give everything to the Lord.  One time wasn't enough!  I had to keep giving things to the Lord and ask Him to carry the burden for me.

Continually communicating with the Lord is our protection from being weighed down by the burdens we face - both large and small.  The key is the constant communication!  The Lord doesn't get tired of our bringing the situation to Him.  He is always available, always listening, always ready to help.  As I gave the burden to Him repeatedly, I could feel His help and strength to make it through.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"  Luke 12:25,26

"In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.  From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears."  Psalm 18:6 

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."  Proverbs 12:25

"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."  Philippians 4:6,7

I had a friend speaking kind words - and was surrounded by the peace of the Lord.  It was a good week. :) 

Worry is a Powerful Thing

I've been feeling "poorly" (as we used to say when I was growing up in Texas).  I've been too weak to get much of anything done.  And then I tend to worry about all the things I'm not getting done.

Worry is a powerful thing.  We tend to worry about the next week, the next month, even the next year.  God wants us to focus on just one day at a time.  Worry means we're carrying a burden God never intended for us to bear.  We're to cast our burdens onto His big shoulders.

I am trying my best to do that.  Some days I succeed.  Some days I don't.  Being weak actually helps as I don't have the energy to worry. 

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34

In the midst of being weak, feeling poorly, I've sensed the Lord's presence with me.  I'm so thankful that in the midst of the hard times, He doesn't disappear.  In fact, if anything, He makes His presence more clear and obvious because He wants us to know we're not alone.  That means so much to me!  I'm so grateful for His faithfulness.