Worry has a way of robbing of us energy and blessings that are rightfully ours. It makes it clear to God that we do not trust Him. Most of what we worry about never happens; and if it does happen, most of the negative aspects we imagined never occur. It affects the attention we give to our task at hand and the people around us.
I never
met anyone who changed their circumstance, the outcome of a circumstance or
their future by worrying. Worry ruins our health and damages our emotions. It
can even affect our relationships. Paul advises us not to be anxious about anything,
but in everything and through prayerful requests make our concerns known to God
(Philippians 4:6).
Then apply
the Serenity Principle to the issue. Ask God for wisdom to know whether or not
you can do anything about the matter; and if so, how to change it. If not, then
change your focus about the problems, so that you can accept God’s will for you
in them. We do not have to trust people, events or places; but we can trust God
in all things. He has our best interest at heart.
When you
are genuinely concerned about some matter, spend concentrated time in prayer
about it. Journal how you are feeling and what you fear; and then jot down the
outcome. Over time you will see how often you worry needlessly. Change your
focus to doing God’s will for each moment of time. He promises to work all
things out for your ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us to trust You more and to worry less. Show us the futility of this
habit and remind us that You have everything, even this matter, in Your
control. Help us to think about all the times in the past when we worried
needlessly and how You worked everything out for our good.
Thought
for the Day:
Don’t let
worry steal your peace and joy.
