"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Peace and unworried go hand-in-hand. Worry and lost peace also go hand-in-hand. Have you noticed that? You feel it in your spirit, your mind, your heart. It may seem silly, but there are times when I don't even realize that I am worried until I clue in on my stomach. When I am worried, my stomach gets this, what I call, a nervous feeling. It feels agitated. and when I feel that, I realize my peace it gone also. I just don't like it.
This verse is so awesome. I wish I could remember it during those times. The Lord gave us our solution for those times when we are worried--don't and pray. Sounds so simple doesn't it? For us humans, it's not always so easy, is it?
I went through this last night. I don't know why I've been worrying on and off so much lately--but I have. I finally went to a quiet place and just cried out to my God that I didn't understand why I was in this state of spirit. Why I think that I have given Him my worries, my confusion and prayed for Him to take them go away. And then,when I least expect it--poof!--there they are again, stealing my peace and my joy.
When I left my quiet place, I did feel at peace. I was peaceful and joyful all day until a small incident happened right before I left work. Poof! Back came the worry that a friend was irritated at me. Poof! Back came the insecurity, the worry that they misunderstood me and I wasn't given the chance to make it right. Poof, Poof, Poof!
Then came this verse tonight. I NEED to claim it. If you are in a similar boat, you NEED to claim it. Our Father is SO awesome that He has a way out for us--prayer. Constant prayer is the only way that we get through these growing times of worry. Claim His promise--His peace guarding our hearts when we pray--share ourselves with Him--and thank Him for what He has done.
I know that this worry phase will be over soon--in the meantime, I will continue to praise my holy Father--thanking Him for this learning experience. The same can be for you. You know that you will get through this. Praise Him for what you are learning, for Him being there to keep you focus on what all of this is for--refinement. Our God is an AWESOME God--don't you agree!
I have always fought worry because I think it's a waste of time. but recently I was reading a book that was talking about the dangers of worry and I saw it in a new light. I believe that worry can become an addiction... I mean doesn't it have the same tell tell signs as addiction?
ReplyDelete-it drains and controls us to the point of not being able to work, play, and enjoy ourselves
-it is totally self indulgent
-consumes our energy
-we freeze up and stop living radically for God
-it even eats at our trust and faith in Him.
I believe it is no less evil than say pornography. But praying (like you said) is the cure. It may not totally go away... just like any addiction. But it will get smaller and smaller to where you control it instead of it controlling you.
Dear Brittney,
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister!:)
Have a blessed evening!