JUNE 5, 2014 When Worry is Part of Your Personality TRACIE MILES Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV) His comment wasnt meant to be critical, but it immediately pierced my heart. I was explaining to my husband how worried Id been about several situations and reciting the reasons why my worry was justified. He gently reminded me that worrying wouldnt help anything, and I quickly replied, But I cant help it! Then he said with a smile, I know you cant. Worrying is just part of your personality. Deep down I knew I worried too much, especially when it came to my childrens safety, their happiness and situations I couldnt control. But I didnt want to be labeled a worrier, and I certainly didnt want to admit worrying was part of my personality. Yet, if I were honest with myself, I knew it was true. Although I trust God and know He is in control, the human side of me often tends to worry. Im thankful God isnt surprised by my worry, and wants to help me overcome it. Jesus even addressed this very issue when He taught His followers in what we now call the Sermon on the Mount. In this teaching, Jesus shared detailed instructions for how Christians should live their daily lives and how faith should shape behavior — including how to deal with worry. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus specifically told His followers not to worry about food or clothes because God would provide for their needs, just as He does for the birds of the air. This promise of provision and protection applies to all areas of our lives, including help with our problems and easing our inner-most anxieties. Jesus knew the people of that time struggled with worry, just as we do. At times it is hard to trust God with the concerns that weigh heaviest on our hearts. Instead of trusting Him to handle what we cannot, we waste the opportunities of today worrying about the possibilities of tomorrow. God wants us to leave our problems in His hands, rather than let them become a stumbling block in our faith. Sometimes it takes a gentle reminder, such as my husbands innocent words, to remind me of this promise. I needed to stop holding onto my worries and quit continually reminding Jesus to be as concerned as I was. Instead, I should daily turn those worries into prayers. I have since committed to worrying less and trusting Jesus more and have experienced the freedom that comes with truly entrusting my needs to Him. Although we all have things in our lives that lead to worry and reasons to be concerned, what peace we can enjoy if we consciously choose to lay down each days worries at Gods feet and leave tomorrows worries up to Him, too. Lord, forgive me for not trusting You with my problems and for letting my worry become a wedge in my faith. Give me the strength to put them in Your hands and avoid trying to take them back. Help me learn to trust You more and believe You are always in control of my life and the things that worry me most. In Jesus Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY: 1 Peter 5:7, Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT) Luke 12:29-32, What Im trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to Gods giving. People who dont know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Youll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Dont be afraid of missing out. Youre my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. Stop worrying and start trusting that Jesus can handle your problems. Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst REFLECT AND RESPOND: What worries are most heavily weighing on your heart today that you need to turn over to God? Have you been trying to handle everything on your own, without Gods help? Read Matthew 6:25-34 and ask God to speak to your heart through these verses.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:12:46 +0000
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