Daily Devotionals
Monday, October 21, 2024 (Mary Ann)
Whatcha worried about?
I’ve known many great troubles in my life, most of which never happened. (Mark Twain)
I could have said that. Over the last many decades (Let’s not dwell on numbers; I’ve already outlived old Mark!), I’ve done more than my share of worrying about most everything. I even worried about what to write this week! Then I worried about finding a photo. Then I worried about getting it all done on time. And then I worried that I worry too much.
I’m really good at worry. How about you? We should start a group … Oh wait! We already have one!
One session in a church conference this weekend dealt with fear, worry and anxiety. So if it’s okay with you, let’s just check off that first worry of mine by writing from what I learned.
Fear, worry, and the more serious — anxiety — are close relatives, but their shared DNA is defined as a dread of something that may or may not happen in the future. Sometimes fear is fitting. For instance, it can preserve our lives if it keeps us away from danger, and it’s always good to fear the Lord, as these verses illustrate:
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3)
Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
But then there’s the fear, worry and anxiety that keeps us awake nights. There are “outside” causes — work pressures, health concerns, financial fears and family problems, to name a few.
“Inside” causes flare up when things don’t go according to our plans. Or we suffer a nagging unbelief in the God we know yet fail to trust as our loving heavenly Father. Or we get our undies in a twist wondering what others think of us. The list is endless.
What to do? Here are some suggestions:
Identify the cause of your anxiety. Be specific; you can’t fight it if you can’t name it!
Pray about it regularly. Talk with God about what’s making you anxious. His invitation and promise: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Check your rearview mirror. Look back and remember all the times the Lord has come through for you, especially in similar situations.
Dig for truth in the Scriptures and/or ask a Bible-saturated friend* to help you renew your mind and perspective on God and the futility of fear. Some good truths to ponder:
(Matthew 6:31-11) So don’t worry about these things, saying ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
(Psalm 55:22) Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
(Matthew 6:25-27) That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. (below)They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
*Finally, remember, Sisters, RCC Cares is a safe place to find Bible-saturated friends with open hearts and listening ears. We are better together!
Mary Ann
I’ve known many great troubles in my life, most of which never happened. (Mark Twain)
I could have said that. Over the last many decades (Let’s not dwell on numbers; I’ve already outlived old Mark!), I’ve done more than my share of worrying about most everything. I even worried about what to write this week! Then I worried about finding a photo. Then I worried about getting it all done on time. And then I worried that I worry too much.
I’m really good at worry. How about you? We should start a group … Oh wait! We already have one!
One session in a church conference this weekend dealt with fear, worry and anxiety. So if it’s okay with you, let’s just check off that first worry of mine by writing from what I learned.
Fear, worry, and the more serious — anxiety — are close relatives, but their shared DNA is defined as a dread of something that may or may not happen in the future. Sometimes fear is fitting. For instance, it can preserve our lives if it keeps us away from danger, and it’s always good to fear the Lord, as these verses illustrate:
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3)
Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
But then there’s the fear, worry and anxiety that keeps us awake nights. There are “outside” causes — work pressures, health concerns, financial fears and family problems, to name a few.
“Inside” causes flare up when things don’t go according to our plans. Or we suffer a nagging unbelief in the God we know yet fail to trust as our loving heavenly Father. Or we get our undies in a twist wondering what others think of us. The list is endless.
What to do? Here are some suggestions:
Identify the cause of your anxiety. Be specific; you can’t fight it if you can’t name it!
Pray about it regularly. Talk with God about what’s making you anxious. His invitation and promise: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Check your rearview mirror. Look back and remember all the times the Lord has come through for you, especially in similar situations.
Dig for truth in the Scriptures and/or ask a Bible-saturated friend* to help you renew your mind and perspective on God and the futility of fear. Some good truths to ponder:
(Matthew 6:31-11) So don’t worry about these things, saying ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
(Psalm 55:22) Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
(Matthew 6:25-27) That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. (below)They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
*Finally, remember, Sisters, RCC Cares is a safe place to find Bible-saturated friends with open hearts and listening ears. We are better together!
Mary Ann
