Worry

In my reading the other day I came across this definition
of worry –

“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts
running around a center of fear.”

Think about that!
When you worry are your thoughts organized, efficient,
and productive?

Or are they going in ten different directions,
non-productive, filled with “what ifs”?

The “what ifs” are fear based –
regarding something that happened in the past
and how someone else perceived that,
or what might happen in the future that could/would
bring trials and troubles upon us...

This is what Corrie Ten Boom says about worry –

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow.
It empties today of its strength.”

Some people will label themselves as a “worrier” as if that is just the way they are and it can’t be changed.

But we can change that!
Praise God – He wants our worries ...give them to Him!

Are you a “worrier”?
What do you worry about?

Is it something that occurred in the past that you
can’t go back and change?
Is it something in the future that you have no control over?

I would guess that whatever it is, it is NOT about
this moment in time!

Why do we do that?
Spend precious moments on the past or the future –
both of which are totally out of our control?
Why can’t we / don’t we live in the moment?
Letting God have complete control over our time
(all 168 hours per week),
and our lives?

Spending today worrying about tomorrow or the past wastes today!

Jesus is speaking in Matthew 6:25-34 about worrying –

Verses 33–34:
“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. (NIV)

The New Living Translation says it this way...

Verses 33-34
“and he will give you all you need from day to day if you
live for him and make the kingdom of God
your primary concern.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring
its own worries.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

I love Psalm 37 –
I call it my “Do Not Fret” Psalm ...
one of my Study Bibles explains it this way –
“Its simple message is to maintain patience in the midst of troubles. God’s people can have such patience because
they know that their eternal reward will
abundantly surpass any temporal troubles.”

Friends – Do Not Fret!
He will handle whatever is in your path!

Father God,
We come to You now giving this day over to You.
We believe that You know all about our pasts and our futures
and that our “what if-ing” results only
in distress for us!
Nothing else!
It does nothing to change the course of our life.
And it certainly takes our minds off of You, Your grace,
Your providence, Your magnificence.
Father, Give us the clarity of mind to rest in You,
to give our concerns over to You
and leave them with You;
Teach us Lord not to ‘fret’.
Fill us, Lord, with Your Holy Spirit;
Enable us to live each day resting in Your arms.
Thank You, Lord for blessing us as You do.
Keep our minds filled with Your goodness.
We love You Lord!
In Jesus Name, Amen!

May you have
a fret-free day in HIM!

Ruthie