Don't Worry

DON'T WORRY

"Do not be anxious about anything ..." Philippians 4:6

I come from a long line of worriers. My grandmother had the gift of worrying. She was most happy when you have her something to worry about.
What she never figured out is that 95% of what we worry about never happens.

I love what Bill Gothard says about worry: "Worry is assuming responsibility that God never intended us to have!"

I have to admit, in my flesh, I tend to be a worrier. I am a recovering worrier, but every once and awhile, it rears its ugly head. Today's devotional reading from STREAMS IN THE DESERT, was a great reminder for me:

"Quite a few Christians live in a terrible state of anxiety, constantly fretting over the concerns of life. The secret of living in perfect peace amid the hectic pace of daily life is one well worth knowing. What good has worrying ever accomplished? It is never made anyone stronger, helped anyone to do God's will, or provided for anyone a way of escape out of their anxiety or confusion.

Worry only destroys the effectiveness of our lives that would be otherwise useful and beautiful. Being restless and having worries and cares are absolutely forbidden by our Lord, who said, 'So do not worry about worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" (Matthew 6:31) He does not mean that we are not to think ahead or that our life should never have a plan or pattern to it. He simply means that we are not to worry about these things.

People will know that you live in a constant state of anxiety by the lines on your face, the tone of your voice, your negative attitude, and the lack of joy in your spirit. So scale the heights of a life abandoned to God, and your perspective will change to the point that you will look down on the clouds beneath your feet.

It is a sign of weakness to always worry and fret, question everything, and mistrust everyone. Can anything be gained by it? Don't we only make ourselves unfit for action, and separate our minds from the ability to make wise decision? We simply sink in our struggles when we could float by faith.

Oh, for the grace to be SILENT! Oh, to 'be still and know that Jehovah is God!' (Psalm 46:10) 'The Holy One of Israel' (Psalm 89:18) will defend and deliver His own. We can be sure that His every word will stand forever, even thought the mountains may fall into the sea. He deserves our total confidence. So come, my soul, return to your place of peace, and rest within the sweet embrace of the Lord Jesus!"

So how about you today, my friend? Are you on "worry-patrol?" If so, let's start trusting Him today!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Sin is like a sugar coated pill. We loved those pills at first as a child - they were so sweet- but when we had sucked the sugar off, they were so bitter that we wanted to spit them out. Sin's pleasures first, then the remorse and pain. Anonymous