Peace

Wiser than I

January 17, 2013
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 on our journeys to a better understand 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! Below is a great list of reasons not to worry, which I have 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 offer our concerns to God! May we all learn the true joy of fully trusting our Lord!

Living for Him,






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27 Comments

27 Comments

  1. SharonJanuary 17, 2013

    YES. YES. YES!!


    Oh, how I can relate to this. Worrying is almost a hobby of mine - (and no, I'm not proud of it).


    It is so hard for me to yield certain situations to the Lord - which is silly, really. I can't do anything about them, and He is infinitely wiser than I am.


    Thanks for the good word of encouragement (and conviction!) today.


    GOD BLESS!

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  2. Lisa notes...January 18, 2013

    These are great truths from Jesus that I need to remind myself of often. I've always tended to be a worrier, and as often as I've prayed not to be--and it has gotten better--it's still my thorn in the flesh. Lord, more faith, and thanks for the grace!

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  3. joyJanuary 18, 2013

    Thanks Joan for this beautiful message. we all need to be reminded not to worry almost everyday:)
    Dropping by from " Spiritual Sundays". My entry is from " willyouhearfromme.blogspot.com

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  4. stgibson19January 18, 2013

    Great post Joan, I'm trying to learn the living one day at a time....on some days it's one hour at a time. Thanks

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  5. sgilberttweetsJanuary 18, 2013

    I have struggled with worry a lot over the years. God really taught me to lean on him a couple of years ago, when my husband went through an extended time of unemployment. I saw him provide in surprising ways. It wasn't until then that I realized just how much of my time and energy was zapped by worry. It doesn't control me as much now, though it creeps up occasionally. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Joan DavisJanuary 18, 2013

    Hi Sharon! It is amazing how easily worry can come and how difficult it is to give it up. However, when we do, and when we leave our worries at His feet, we are left with a wonderful peace!

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  7. Joan DavisJanuary 18, 2013

    I have to remind myself, too! In fact, when I write posts like these, I'm speaking (strongly) to myself! lol Thanks for your encouragement1

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  8. Joan DavisJanuary 18, 2013

    Yes, everyday we need to leave our worries at the foot of the cross and trust Him more and more!

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  9. Joan DavisJanuary 18, 2013

    ...or minute at a time! ha ha! Blessings to you, Salina!

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  10. Joan DavisJanuary 18, 2013

    Thanks for sharing your experience and how God taught you to lean on Him. You are so right...worrying wastes our time and exhausts us emotionally AND physically! We are so much better off when we trust God and remember that He has a plan! Blessings, Joan

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  11. Pamela KuhnJanuary 18, 2013

    Trust is a choice. I'm learning but still struggle at times. Especially when it comes to my children. I love all the Scriptures you've included.

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  12. Joan DavisJanuary 19, 2013

    You're so right. Trust is a choice that can be difficult to make. But when we do it, our lives are so much more peaceful!

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  13. Karrilee AggettJanuary 19, 2013

    Ah yes... I come from a long line of worriers... of fretters... of those who ponder, "What if" and "If Only"... but I can honestly say - over the course of a few years, the Lord has changed my bent! Oh - it still creeps in from time to time - but I notice it much quicker now because it is not how I normally spend my time! LOVED this post! (Found you via The Weekend Brew!)

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  14. Child of GodJanuary 19, 2013

    Hello!!
    Worry, ah yes the nagging feeling that really sets in deep when you have children. I don't worry about most things but when it comes to my kids I can't help it. I just love how God continues to grow us in all areas of our lives.


    Blessings

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  15. BarbieJanuary 19, 2013

    Thank you Joan. I am faced with a situation right now that is grieving my heart and causing worry. I really needed this today.

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  16. UnknownJanuary 19, 2013

    Hi Joan
    And then it doesn't even add a few seconds to your life. Oh, we humans can be sooo foolish!
    Much love
    Mia

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  17. Joan DavisJanuary 19, 2013

    Thanks for coming by, Karrilee! I come from a long line of worriers, too! But, I am determined to break the trend! I know with God, He will help me to do that! Blessings to you, Joan

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  18. Joan DavisJanuary 19, 2013

    Yes, I think that we do tend to worry about the people who are the most important to us. I've spent quite a lot of time worrying about our kids, especially when then were teens. :-) However, I have discovered that even when challenging things happened, there was a purpose -- or at least something good came out of the situation. I love how God keeps teaching me and growing my faith! Blessings, Joan

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  19. Joan DavisJanuary 19, 2013

    Hi Barbie! I pray that you are able to release your fears to God and that He blesses you with that needed peace in your heart! No matter what, He is always faithful! Blessings, Joan

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  21. MartyJanuary 20, 2013

    Bookmarking this post for days when I need the reminder that worrying is pointless :-) The Peace of God be with you!

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  22. Joan DavisJanuary 20, 2013

    Thanks, Marty! Worrying is pointless! I need that same reminder! Blessings, Joan

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  23. Rina PeruJanuary 20, 2013

    Beautiful reminder and the Scriptures you used are ever powerful! We need only to soak up ourselves with His Words daily and worrying will be far from us.


    http://ourhealingmoments.com

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  24. Joan DavisJanuary 21, 2013

    It is such a comfort to know that God "has our back"! He has a plan and a plan that we can trust!
    Blessings, Joan

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  25. bluecottonmemoryJanuary 21, 2013

    I grew up in a family that practiced the art of worry. I learned a few years ago that when I worry I don't trust God - that worry is really a call to prayer, to trust. It is a battle - when worry creeps in! Only in Him can peace triumph over worry!

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  26. Joan DavisJanuary 24, 2013

    Yes, as we learn to trust God our faith grows and our worries fades - as long as we remember to leave our burdens at His feet! Blessings, Joan

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  27. Joan DavisMarch 13, 2013

    Hi Mia! Sorry it took so long to find your comment...I don't know how I missed it! You are so right! We can be so foolish, but worrying is so easy! It takes quite a bit of control to continually give our worries to the Lord. But when we do, we can be at peace even int he midst of a storm!


    Blessings, Joan

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