Thoughts for Life: # 9 Walk Away From Worry

~ Jennifer Benson Schuldt- A few years ago, our Bible-study leader challenged us to memorize a chapter of the Bible and recite it to the group. Internally, I began to protest and groan. An entire chapter, in front of everyone?

Memorization had never been my thing; I cringed as I imagined long silences while everyone watched me, waiting for the next words. (Google image, Business woman reading a paper)

A few days later, I reluctantly leafed through my Bible, looking for a set of verses to learn by heart. Nothing seemed right until I landed in Philippians 4.

I read this verse in silence, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done" (v. 6). That's when I knew which chapter to memorize, and how to walk away from my anxiety about the assignment.

God does not want us to agonize over future events, because worry paralyzes our prayer life. The apostle Paul reminds us that instead of fretting, we should ask God for help. When we continually take this approach to anxiety, God's peace will guard our hearts and minds (v.7).

Someone once said tongue-in-cheek, "Why pray when you can worry?" The point is clear: Worry gets us nowhere, but prayer gets us in touch with the one who can handle all of our concerns.

Let's pray-

Father, there will be times that we may be asked to do something that may be a real challenge to us. Our being able to face it can be a benefit to all concerned.

We may be reluctant to take the challenge and make the best of it, but if we will, and pray for God's help, we will learn how to walk away from our anxiety over the assignment.

God doesn't want us to agonize over future events, as it tends to paralyze our prayer life. Apostle Paul reminds us that instead of fretting, we are to ask God for His help. He will give us peace and will guard our hearts and minds.

We ask for Your help, Father, as we want to honor You with a steadfast trust in Your Ability to help us not get frustrated over any situation that seems to be more than we can handle. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen

Today's Bible verses-

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Corinthians 11:14 “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light…”

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Quote for today-

~ Gary Heyes- "Scripture continually encourages us to focus our attention on the person and knowledge of Jesus Christ. When we realize that our identity is found in knowing Him and understanding who He is and what He has done for us, our lives will be transformed. A new peace, security and freedom will begin to take hold of us and we will begin to find significance and purpose. [p. 19 in his book, SAY YES]

Words of wisdom-

~ When God is taken into painful, lonely thoughts, and words of love are expressed, what a difference it can make! Hard memories can be dealt with and forgiven through words of forgiveness. Honest conversations of hurt feelings can bring healing and bonding so desperately needed.

Our Question today-

How can we be equipped to face the trials of each day?

As words have a tremendous power that can actually change our lives, we are to look to the One who created us. He has made it plain in His Word, the Bible, what we are to do to stay at peace, no matter what comes our way.

Unfortunately, there's not much reverence for Him lately, and not much respect for His Word by many, but that doesn't make it true that He's not available to help those who call on Him to help them in the trials of their day.

Let's be passionate and have fear of God Almighty and repent of our known sins, and be willing to learn of what displeases Him, so we can receive the peace He offers to those who seek His help.

Increasing our faith through being thankful, regardless of the circumstances, and refusing to be stressed and anxious, will bring the joy we need to remain peaceful in mind and heart.

Our remembering our Creator is conscious of each of us and of our daily trials can be what keeps us ready for the days ahead, so we can face and manage each one with His help.

Reading the Lord's Words helps us make decisions that lead to victories. He longs to lead us every day in our trials, to equip us to face them with confidence, and that He'll be our Helper.

May we begin the habit to look to Jesus to help us every day for the help we need to be overcomers and to bring Him honor in how things turn out.