Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 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?
“And why do you worry about clothes? 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. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these 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 (Boldness added by me)
The two bolded sections keep playing through my mind. They remind me that worry accomplishes nothing. It’s not helpful or useful. Instead of doing anything good I end up stressed and distracted because I’m focusing on the wrong things and worrying about them. So instead of worrying I’ve been trying to NOT worry. It’s easier said than done but I am feeling more peace and less stress. I’ve been doing four things to help me accomplish this:
1. I remember the times when God has provided. He has provided again and again…I have experience with this. Remembering the times in the past reminds me that he’ll continue to be there for me in the future.
2. Cultivate thankfulness. When you’re thankful, it’s hard to worry. I go through my blessings…my husband, Munchkin, my mom living close, a job that provides for our needs, a warm house, food to eat, clothes to wear…the list goes on.
3. Pray. When I go to God and focus on him and not myself, it’s much, much easier not to worry. I trust in His word and his promises that are found in the Word.
4. After I pray, I deliberately turn my mind to something else. I refuse to dwell on the things that could go wrong. I enjoy what is here and now. If worry starts to creep back in, I pray and turn away from the worry again. It’s hard in the beginning but gets easier over time.
Something else I KNOW I need to be doing that will help with this is spend more time in the word. I have enough time to be on the computer so that means I have time to read my bible. It’s just the DOING it. I’m working on this…or at least am trying too!
Do you worry?
How do you stop worrying?
Well, thankfully disqus decided to work for me at home! I had always heard it was a German Lutheran trait to worry... though that doesn't seem very biblical ;) Regardless, my husband and I are both pretty bad worriers. Prayer has done wonders, but as you said, having a firm root and a good routine of being in His Word really helps. Have you checked out the Treasury of Daily Prayer (can get it through CPH.org). It is wonderful for daily readings (Psalms, OT, NT, and a Lutheran writing for the day as well as a portion of a hymn). It is a bit pricey, but so worth it! Hugs, friend. We may never succeed at ending worry (after all, worry is a sin, and we can't simply stop sinning)... but we can pray for forgiveness when we worry and for His help in trusting Him better :)
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely guilty of being a worrier as well. I think I've been a worrier my entire life and have yet to find a way to truly calm my mind. I often feel as though I worry about everything and nothing all at the same time. Yoga helps me at times and others a change of scenery but in truth it is a battle I fight on a constant basis.
ReplyDeleteI've been going through a lot lately with personal struggles. Military life has just taken a toll on our family. I was stressing out so much and worrying so much. This is the first week in a LONG time that I spent a good amount of time in prayer. And you know...God kind of took it all out of me and took the burden on for me. I've felt so free, and just at peace.
ReplyDeleteMilitary life does NOT help in the worry department! I'm so glad that you've found peace through God! Now the hard part for (me anyway) is to keep it up!
ReplyDeleteIt is a constant battle! It's so easy to give into it. I hope you find something that will help you soon.
ReplyDeleteYAY for it working at home:) I've never heard that worry is a German Lutheran trait...haha! And you're right, not biblical. But very, very human. I haven't checked out the Treasury of Daily Prayer but will...thanks for the recommendation! And I'm so thankful for God's forgiveness:)
ReplyDeleteI used to worry a lot. Praying for and losing my son brought a lot of things in perspective. No amount of worry would change the outcome. I prayed for his recovery, which he recovered fine from surgery. But I couldn't worry about the rest of his life. I had to enjoy him while he was here, because the likelihood of survival was SO small. If I spent the time worrying about his survival, I may not have enjoyed the very little time I had with him. I'm SO glad I stopped. We had a wonderful week together, laughing and playing. In short, you may be worrying through your blessings. Thank you for linking up with Countdown in Style!
ReplyDeleteI used to be such a worry wart! I think a lot of your tips to not worry have become a part of my daily routine so that has helped. Also, if I believe no one else, I know Abba keeps His word no matter what, especially to those who are obeying his commandments and me and my family strive every single day to do just that. So, in the end, worrying for me has translated into me not trusting Him. So knowing this, I think it's been easier also to not worry about anything. My family's life and mine are in His hands :) Thanks so much for sharing this personal post with us at Countdown in Style! Don't forget to stop by Friday to see if you are featured :)
ReplyDeleteI really like that bible verse. I tend to worry sometimes about things and also realize that I have to let it go and let God handle it. It is hard sometimes not to stress and think about it though - thanks for your tips.
ReplyDeleteI'm a HUGE worrier. About everything and anything - I try to do yoga every morning (though I haven't been very good about it lately!) it helps me so much!
ReplyDeleteIt's true, worry doesn't change anything. And I'm so glad you were able to see that and enjoy the time you had with your son. I'm sure you cherish those memories!
ReplyDeleteIt is such comfort to know He cares for us and has us in His hands. I'm doing a little better with worry. It gets worse when I'm pregnant but I'm working on it:)
ReplyDeleteI hope they help you! And I think the verse is a great reminder to just deal with today:) Thanks so much for visiting!
ReplyDeleteYoga, when I've done it, has helped. I usually mediate on a bible verse while I do it and let it sink in and internalize it. It's so comforting!
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