Every year I miss out on Autumn’s beauty because I’m worried about the approach of my nemesis– winter.
My choices:
A) Waste two seasons dreading cold Nebraska weather.
B) Stop worrying and enjoy today.
Do you worry about things you can’t change? If so, there’s hope.
When Jesus walked the earth, people were much like we are today, minus the iPhones.
Take Hiram and his wife Miriam.
Every day Hiram hopped the donkey and headed to the vineyards, toiling to keep a palm branch roof over their heads.Work-at-hut mom, Miriam, held things together on the home front using the latest appliances, like her new top-loader laundry pot, and updated flat-top cooking stone.
Their twin boys, Uriel and Uziel, similar as two lentils in a pod, devoured food as fast as Miriam could grind it.
Teenaged daughter, Rachael, cruised the marketplace with her friends in her free time. Miriam routinely steeled herself against Rachael’s pleadings. “Mom, my sandals are so last century, and there’s a sale at J.C. Peniels.”
Rachael worried about her wardrobe. The twins worried about who’d get the biggest piece of lamb shank. Hiram worried about bringing home the mutton. Miriam worried about everything.
In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus offered them the same reassurance he gives us now:
We’re valuable to God.
He knows our needs and will provide for them.
Worry won’t change our situations.
“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. ” Matt 6:33-34
When worry rears its sneaky head, bash it like an arcade game Whack-a-Mole. How? With God’s word.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Phil 4:6
Three steps to wipe out worry
2) Write them down.
3) Pray them aloud.
Every time the enemy–worry–attacks, overpower it by declaring God’s promise. The more we speak it, the more we’ll believe it.
What do you need?
Provision “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19
Guidance “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Prov 3:5-6
Love “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jer 31:3
Healing “…and by his wounds we are healed.” Is 53:5
What’s worrying you today? What’s your strategy to overcome it? Please leave a comment. I’ll be glad to pray for you, or share a scripture to help.
Jeanie Jacobson, a contributor to three Chicken Soup for the Soul books and a Bethany House compilation, lives in NE where she serves on the leadership team of Omaha Wordsowers Christian Writers Group. She is also a regular contributor to their blog and teaches a workshop geared toward helping new writers. Currently, she is busy writing
a Christian-slanted YA fantasy series.
Connect with Jeanie:
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donkey photo courtesy: www.freedigitalphotos.net //m_bartosch
Angela, thanks for letting me be part of your awesome blog. I'm so encouraged by your posts!
Thank you for coming, Jeanie!!