Worry. We all have done it. None of us like it. It seems to be one of those nagging constants in life that we can’t get rid of. If you are anything like I am, over the years you may have worried about your living situation, your job, family, health, salvation of someone dear, the weather, and my personal favorite - the future! The list could go on and on. With all my worrying, I have learned two important lessons: one is that worrying never solves anything and the other is that worrying wears me down. And when I am worn down, I am less able to handle the challenges that come my way. If that is the case, then why do it? It is natural to care for those we love and want the best for them. We also tend to want to figure things out…and figure them out now! But God’s word tells us not to do that. Instead, we are to trust in Christ. Our energy is better spent offering our troubles to the Lord in prayer! Then we will have peace as we face the concerns in our life. 

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Trusting God and giving Him our worries doesn’t mean we won’t have trials. But it does mean that He will help us through our trials. God is always with us and He always cares. There is nothing so trivial that God doesn’t see and know. “Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you” (1 Peter 5:7). God has a plan for our lives and each thing that happens plays a part in bringing that plan to fruition.

One of the things that I know to be true is that God is much wiser than I am! (Oh, so much wiser!) His word offers such help as we struggle in our journeys to a better understanding of His love for us. I am learning daily to trust Him for all the cares and worries in my life. He is able (and more than willing) to handle them all! My sister e-mailed me a great list of reasons not to worry which I have since printed out and tucked into my Bible. Each one is supported by a wonderful verse from the book of Matthew. I thought I’d share them with you today.

Seven Reasons Not to Worry:
  • The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. (Matthew 6:25) 
  • Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. (Matthew 6:26) 
  • Worrying is more harmful than helpful. (Matthew 6:27) 
  • God does not ignore those who depend on Him. (Matthew 6:28-30) 
  • Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. (Matthew 6:31, 32) 
  • There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them. (Matthew 6:33) 
  • Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. (Matthew 6:34) 
I pray that as we face each day, our hearts will be at peace as we release our concerns to God! May we all learn the true joy of fully trusting our Lord!

Living for Him,

Joan





Be sure to join me on Monday for the "Sharing His Beauty" link-up! It's a great way to start the week giving praises to our Father! (The linky will be open on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time). See you then!

Linked with: 
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13 Comments

  1. So glad that we get to cast our cares :)

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  2. I love the list your sister sent to you. I think I will print this out and keep it handy.

    What a timely post for me! I've learned so much through these trials and yet there are moments when I still struggle with worry. My emotions don't always align with what I know to be true.

    May we continue to encourage one another!

    Love you,
    Debbie

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  3. Of course, you would have no way of knowing how very TIMELY this post was for me. Just had something happen this morning that kicked my worry mode into high gear.

    However, trying my best to rest in the promises that God gives us IN THE MIDST of stormy seas. Love the 7 points that you shared. May I copy those for my journal?

    GOD BLESS!

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  4. Great post, Joan. I agree, when we are worrying, we aren't putting our faith in God; but looking at our own abilities.

    Blessings,
    (the other) Joan

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  5. My sister once explained Fear and worry in this way: God wants you to know that fear and worry won't get you where you want to go. It's not easy to head off into unchartered waters, but every journey starts with a first step. Fear and worry will keep you from making that first step, from untying the boat from the dock. It will also keep you from making new discoveries. Don't let fear and worry keep you tied up, set sail and see what God has planned for you.

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  6. I can identify! How good to be able to cast the worry and the inability to not worry on Him! He again and again gives hope and comfort and restores my soul.

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  7. We can all use a refresher on the reasons worry isn't good for us and ways to help us not to!! Thanks Joan!

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  8. This was a great post and reminder!

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  9. So easy to hear, so much harder to do.

    I have heard that "Do not fear" is mentioned at least 365 times in the Bible, one for every day of the year. Must be an important message.

    *I came by from Spiritual Sundays. :)

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  10. What a great post. I frequently have to remind myself not to worry. It is such an easy habit to fall into. I have also found that many things I spend being overly concerned about never even happen. Or else if they do happen they are not nearly as scary as I thought they would be. Thank you for this reminder.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  11. This is a great post about worrying...So easy to do it seems....and so difficult to let go of! Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

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  12. I'm thankful I don't have to rely on my own wisdom! I'm going to remember this when I start worrying.

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  13. Great post! It is really a sin to worry, because it reflects unbelief (thinking that God can't do what He has promised to do) and or pride (thinking that we can do better than God, so we need to take matters into our own hands. Praise God that He is sovereign, that His wisdom and power are infinite, and that He loves us infinitely. We can trust that He will work all things together for His good.
    Love in Christ,
    Laurie

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