Worry-
Remember that catchy tune from the late 1980s, Don't Worry Be Happy? What a spot on sentiment to remind us that this is the way God wants us to live.
Yet...sometimes it seems like we live in alarmist times. The stock market dips and threatens our economy. Storms ravish across our country leaving destruction in their wake. Life threatening viruses cross the county. Those are just a few of the bis issues that can cause anxiety. Smaller angst triggers may be safe childcare, loss of a job or how others perceive you.
Carolyn, the heroine in Lily of the Field is a worrier. She worries about everything, big and small. Her fears fuel her worry and makes her second guess every decision. Of course, like in real life, none of the things Carolyn worries about become reality and worrying about her problems, certainly doesn't make them go away. With a gentle reminder from God, Carolyn finally learns to trust God and let go of her fears and anxieties.
If only in real life it could be that easy! Sometimes it seems hard to get through one day without some kind of worry niggling your mind or heart. When that happens, make it a practice to give God your burdens and trust him to resolve all your issues. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of working, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Worrying won't change the outcome of any situation, but prayer will! When your fears and concerns overwhelm you get in the habit of following the instructions in the Philippians verse, in no time you'll be a living sentiment of the song... Don't worry. Be happy now!
Remember that catchy tune from the late 1980s, Don't Worry Be Happy? What a spot on sentiment to remind us that this is the way God wants us to live.
Yet...sometimes it seems like we live in alarmist times. The stock market dips and threatens our economy. Storms ravish across our country leaving destruction in their wake. Life threatening viruses cross the county. Those are just a few of the bis issues that can cause anxiety. Smaller angst triggers may be safe childcare, loss of a job or how others perceive you.
Carolyn, the heroine in Lily of the Field is a worrier. She worries about everything, big and small. Her fears fuel her worry and makes her second guess every decision. Of course, like in real life, none of the things Carolyn worries about become reality and worrying about her problems, certainly doesn't make them go away. With a gentle reminder from God, Carolyn finally learns to trust God and let go of her fears and anxieties.
If only in real life it could be that easy! Sometimes it seems hard to get through one day without some kind of worry niggling your mind or heart. When that happens, make it a practice to give God your burdens and trust him to resolve all your issues. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of working, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Worrying won't change the outcome of any situation, but prayer will! When your fears and concerns overwhelm you get in the habit of following the instructions in the Philippians verse, in no time you'll be a living sentiment of the song... Don't worry. Be happy now!
Everyone worries about something every now and then and everyone has a method of calming themselves down in those situations. What are some methods you use to calm yourself down in a worrisome situation?
I make a list of all the things causing me to worry. They usually don't seem as daunting on paper as they do in my head.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea!
Prayer. But also talking things out with my husband makes me feel better. :)
ReplyDeletePraying about the concern, reading favorite verses of comforting Scripture, and talking with a family member (usually one of my sweet sisters!). Oh yes, also....petting one of my cats is soothing too! Blessings, Patti Jo :)
ReplyDeleteRosie-baby, I was just singing a snippet of this to a young friend the other day and she looked at me like I had two heads.
ReplyDeleteInstead of one head with really good hair. ;)
I LOVE THAT SONG! Just love it. And I'm a firm believer in 'don't sweat the small stuff' and that faith should replace worry MOST of the time.
With strong faith we reduce our shoulder load. And a nice husband that brings you Mallo Cups when you're knee-deep in revisions and time crunches is a wonderful thing.
Worry ... I think it's in my DNA.
ReplyDeleteI'll try and change though, just for you, Rose.