Do you worry?
by Kerry
I am a worrier.
I’m less of a worrier than I used to be. That’s good! But the Bible tells me any worry equates with still sinning. Lack of trust.
Ugh, I still fall short.
And yet, He still promises to lead me. He can handle it. He has handled it. Why must I worry?
I love this quote I read in Linda Dillow’s Calm My Anxious Heart. {She talks about worry and anxiety and our obsession with control. This F. B. Meyer quote she inserted stood out to me}:
This is the blessed life – not anxious to see far in front, nor eager to choose the path, but quietly following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time. The Shepherd was always out in front of the sheep. He was down in front. Any attack upon them had to take him into account. Now God is down in front. He is in the tomorrows. It is tomorrow that fills men with dread, God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us.
(I am no expert on the situation) but wouldn’t one worry about whether or not their loved ones are in the grace of God? Wouldn’t you worry about your children’s paths? About whether or not your decisions lead you into or away from sin?
Yes, yes, and yes! we are worriers as mamas, daughters, sisters, friends, women. It’s in us. But the worry gets us nowhere. A means to no end, except only eventual physical damage to ourselves because of the stress it produces. Worry doesn’t add seconds, minutes, days or years on to our lives. It takes away. Dillow takes us straight to scripture and the lilies of the fields, the birds – creation and God’s perpetual hand in the care of such. And the how much more He cares for us, His children. He knows what our days and years ahead hold for us. He wants us to trust Him with that on the front end.
Just today in our church service we studied Joshua, the reminder of how important it is to know God’s commands, obey them, be strong and brave for what lies ahead, strengthen your faith muscle constantly and rest in/ rely on the truth. As hard as that is in most circumstances it beats the alternative every time.
For me, I have to remind myself (constantly) how much He has brought me through in life and then think – why start doubting His sovereignty now??
Again, – doubt, worry, fear… are sometimes, ok sadly a LOT of times, easier for us to turn to then automatic trust. We have to literally work on rewiring our thought processes, our instant reactions. It’s one of those works in progress things. ALL. THE. TIME.
Wow. That seems really difficult to wrap my mind around, hahaha! I guess it’s okay to be concerned, but our energies are better spent on creating love and compassion.
I know. It is for me, too. When someone told Dillow, “well, mothers are supposed to worry.” … She said – it’s easy to deceive ourselves into thinking, ‘I’m just concerned,’ … (but) worry says, “I don’t trust God, I don’t believe in His ability to handle my child, my marriage, my health, my job, or my loneliness.” That reminded me, yes! My worry is basically based on that when I let it consume me.
I like the quote. I am definitely a worrier and while I’ve gotten better over the years, it’s something I have to continually give over to God.
Always. Life without worry sounds delicious!! But it’s just so hard to totally surrender!
Yes, worrying is something that I struggle with…as well as wanting to be in control. Enjoyed this post!
Thanks Audrey!
Yes, I have been a worrier since I was a little girl. It is the thorn in my side. I forget how big and powerful God is way too much, and I’m tired of it. Thanks for sharing that beautiful quote.
My pleasure. Good to see you again! I’ve missed you over on your blog lately. Glad to see you again!