Weights, Worries & WearinessSample

DON'T WORRY

Although scripture is clear when it tells us ‘don’t worry!’, why is it always easier said than done?

I used to love flying. I loved the turbulence, I loved leaning forward during the take-off and landing, and I loved the thrill of the ride – until I had children. Then, I hated flying. Every rattle, judder, jolt and wobble sent my heart racing and fear pulsating through me as thoughts of something terrible happening raced through my mind. Then, one day I flew with my kids, and to my surprise, I was back to my old self, with no fear at all. In fact, I taught them to lean forward during the take-off and landing, showing them how to enjoy the thrill of the ride. I realised, then, that my fear was rooted in the ‘what ifs’. What would happen to my boys if I died? How would they cope? You see, I have a stepson who lost his mom when he was eight. I see his pain and the journey he’s been on, and so projected that onto my boys. Then God challenged me one day on a flight. He asked me to consider how much I loved my boys, and then reminded me that He loved them more. I realised then that I needed to focus more on the truth that God, who is love, loves higher, deeper and wider than I ever could. I realised that God wrote a plan for my life and my boys’ lives, even before the foundations of this world were laid. The question was, how much do I trust in that?

I had a choice to make: Do I trust in the power of a worrying thought, or do I fix my thoughts on God’s truth and turn them into prayers? I’ve been working on the latter, and some time ago on a trip home, we experienced some rough turbulence. However, I can honestly say that it didn’t phase me at all. Instead, I sat there with a shy smile on my face, thanking God. I chose to trust that He had it under control.

God knows the big picture, and through the power of the resurrection of Christ, death has been defeated. In other words, my biggest fear has been defeated, so every other worry should pale in comparison. Yes, yes, I know, it’s always easier said than done. So, my encouragement to you is to keep praying, which is Paul’s counterattack when it comes to the war on worry.

In Philippians 4:6, the word ‘worry’ refers to being ‘drawn in different directions’, or ‘to rip to pieces’. I once heard someone say that ‘worry will rip peace to pieces’. God calls us to bring every part of ourselves to Him. It also tells us in Philippians 4:8 to fix your thoughts on all that is good – this is a choice. Take some time to consider what you worry about the most, and bring it to God in prayer today.

Reflect on the following:

• ·Name trigger situations that bring you the most worry when it comes to your…?

Your kids

Your finances

Your health

Your spouse

Your future

Your studies

Your employment

• What is your biggest fear about each of these worries?
• Ask God to give you a truth to replace the fear with.

PRAY

Lord, as I bring each worry and fear to you today, I pray that you reveal to me your truth in each space. I pray for a perspective of peace that will provide me with an anchor to hold onto today. Amen.