From the Archives, June 19, 2014
As I write this from the future…having already lived through this blog, I see how I worried for nothing. God took care of things, as He always does. All my worrying did absolutely nothing but rob me of my joy. Here I am all these years later:
- All three children out of college.
- I have my MA in Human Services, Marriage and Family Specialization
- One daughter married (i.e. wedding costs, etc.).
- One son married.
- All three children off on their own, finding their way and doing well.
- Lived through my mother’s serious bout with life.
- And so much more….
And, guess what? I’m still standing.
God has provided over and over and over again in a myriad of ways I could never have imagined.
AND, as a bonus, I have grown in so many ways I can’t count them all.
I pray that somehow my life experiences can help you see the futility of worry. Don’t give worry one more second of your life…..and if you need help with that, I’m here for you!
Unhurried Time with God = An Unhurried Mind = An Unhurried Soul
This past week my mind has been in a flurry of fuzzy, frantic thoughts. Thoughts careening from last week’s manuscript rejection. What now? I need a job. Don’t I? With two children in college, extra income would be helpful, especially with the slowing economy, high gas prices, the cost of food. . . But, what can I do? I’ve been mothering so long, I really don’t have much to show on paper. Well, I could go back to college. Get my Master’s Degree. Oh, that costs money. But, in the long run, I would have more earning potential. But, then, what about right now? We need extra income. . .now. Okay, even writing down the thoughts (and I’ve spared you many, many more) makes me exhausted. I am exhausting myself. But, I know you can relate. Women are masters at worrying. And that master’s degree doesn’t come from a university. It comes straight from the heart.
A Hurried Life + A Hurried Mind = A Hurried Heart
One thing I have learned over the years, this type of mental chaos and confusion is NEVER from God. How do I know this? Because God is not a God of disorder or confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He is a God of Peace. Peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4:6-8 (MSG) describes this peace:
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Instead of worrying (or fretting), pray. Shh my soul’s unrest.
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Let praise & petition shape my worries into prayer.
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Surrender the worry and sit under the shadow of God’s wings (Psalm 91).
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“Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush; anxious for greater developments and greater wishes and so on; so that children have very little time for their parents; Parents have very little time for each other; and the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.”
-Mother Teresa
Peace is the sentinel that stands guard at the door of the heart. Why let anything overthrow your peace?
If we think that all things belong to God, then we must not use His time for worry. As hard as it is, we need to refrain from worry and seek His Wisdom for the solution to our problems. Sometimes we just need to “be”. Waiting for the answer is never passive, but it does involve an inner resting of the soul. Is this not what peace that passes all understanding is?
Worry is like a landlord who is demanding far more rent than is reasonable. Don’t get stuck with such a high payment. It is not worth it!
I am praying. Thank you for blogging. You give me so much to think on!
Love, S
First peace, then power, right? I think you hit the nail on the head, again (smile), when you said, “IF WE THINK THAT ALL THINGS BELONG TO GOD. . . ” That is front and center in the worry dilemma…..when I began researching the Word of God about WORRY, I came to that conclusion. IF I really believe God is my Father, my ALL in ALL, then I can’t worry. So, when I falter and find myself knee deep in the “land of what-if’s and why’s and what-am-I-going-to-do’s” I must stop and repent. The Word is clear..worry is sin. It is not of God. The difficulty lies in bringing every little, teeny weeny thought into captivity (2 Cor. 10:5). The difficulty lies within US, not God. May God give us the spirit of Joshua and Caleb…..where we see giants as grasshoppers.
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE, Sherri. SWEET SLEEP. Hugs!
Janell, I put that video on my MySpace, I hope you don’t mind! I could say this about all your postings: your words speak to my heart and are always relevant to my current situation. I know this is only possible because you are a studious observer of God’s Word and His Truth really does live and speak. Psalm 46:10 has come to my mind many times recently with all the ongoing worries and fretting I’ve been doing. Sometimes I think you place things on your blog just for me. I am sure I am not the only one.
I find the root cause of all my trouble is that I want to be the one who is in control. I’m not afraid of flying if I’m the pilot. And more than just that, I’ve been feeling that same sense of restlessness and fretting over all the details of our 4th cross country move. I am impatient over the dozens of things that have to be put on hold until we move…and stressed over the other things that have to be done now.
Thank you for having the courage to share your heart. Miss you!
Meredith, I love your transparency. So honest. It is never easy to conquer the foe(s) of our life, but knowing they are there is half the battle. They have a name. Continue to fight the good fight of faith. Know the Word. John 8:32 (MSG) says, “Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” True freedom in Christ —- ah, yes! Keeping taking one baby step towards that freedom. I am so proud of you! When you find yourself overwhelmed, take a step back from the situation and breathe. ONE STEP AT A TIME! Love!
I too think that you place things on your blog that are intended for me and feel like I happen to read them at just the right time. I worried so much these past 3 weeks while my husband was traveling with the Navy. More so than I normally do. Your words touch my heart, and they remind me that I just need to hand everything over to God. I would have felt so much better if I had done this in the first place.
Oh, Elizabeth, hindsight is 20/20. That is one of the beautiful parts of growing older — having the wisdom that can only come from experience. We’ve only scratched the surface of the topic of worry, so stay tuned! I will be praying for your transformation from worrier to warrior! We are all in process! Blessings today!