Hi everyone! Happy 2009!
How has your new year started out? Does the news of impending doom and gloom weigh heavy on you? We all worry from time to time about finances, family, world situations, and a million other things that can come up in our lives.
Recently, I was asking a friend how their Christmas was and he began to relate to me how their holidays had not been very good. There was a difficult family situation that had been upsetting and it had worried them to the point that they could not enjoy the season. He said his wife had told him that he worried too much about things that could not be changed. He said, “I know I worry, but I don’t know how not to.” Does that sound familiar? I have to admit that I feel the same way at times. Every time I find myself worrying about something, I am reminded of a poster I saw in a church lobby once. Over the water cooler was a sign that said, “ You cannot worry and trust at the same time.” I am sure that I needed that at that particular time, because, it has stayed with me for many years. When you think about that statement, its truth is clear. Worry and Trust are opposites. If we trust God for everything in our lives, even the small things, we cannot worry. If we worry about everything, even the things we have no control over, we leave God out of the picture. There are some people who wear their worry like a badge. I have another friend that says, ”I’m just a worrier, I can’t help it. It’s just who I am.” If that’s you, how’s that working for you? Has worry ever accomplished anything? Has worry ever helped your situation? Worry only increases stress and depression and gives us more to worry about.
God knew we would face difficulties and trying circumstances in this life and He gave us specific words to encourage us in His Word. Read Matthew 6:25-34 for a dose of anti-worry therapy. He knows us. He loves us and his grace is more than sufficient. When life looks impossible, instead of hand wringing and worrying, try praise and prayer. Your situation may not immediately change, but your outlook will. When things look the worst, that’s when God is at his best!
May your 2009 be happy, healthy, and hopeful!
Debra