WORRY... Sunday

Devotional for 8/9/15

We all probably know that worry is not healthy, unless it encourages us to do something that helps the situation.  If anxiety about a test spurs us to study, in general that could produce a better outcome than not studying at all.  But being overly fearful to the point of being frozen and unable to act does us no good.  Nor does simply being anxious when we already have done all that we can and there is nothing left to do about the issue.  Or if the worry is about an imagined threat, or one exaggerated in our minds, or one that through our over-thinking is way off base, then the ensuing alarm is for naught.  In spite of this knowledge we can still find ourselves disturbed by worry.

When we are feeling anxious about something, there are some helpful things we can do.  Prayer for God's help would be a good first step.  Acknowledging we are worried and why is crucial, but sometimes the "why" is complicated by our past experiences.  Ignoring worry or trying to bury it inside of us often just makes things worse.  And just telling ourselves not to worry doesn't usually work either.  God can help us discern if our anxiety is appropriate and if there is anything we can do for the situation.  With God's help we then take the steps that we can to resolve things.  In this way we keep ourselves focused on the present and not in future "what if's".  After that is done, we need to relax and leave it in God's hands, knowing he will provide what is needed.  

[Jesus said, Do Not Worry]: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying, add a single hour to your life?... See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet i tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all theses things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:25-34, selected verses (NIV)

All of this can occur as God helps us to turn our will and our lives over to him.  While this is all easier said than done, it is something we can continue to work on and improve over time.  As we learn better how to relax in his arms, we let his peace wash over us.  We know that God is there to help us, forgive us where we are, pick us up when we fall, and love us all the way through!

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)

written by Jan Andersen