A few nights ago I was talking with one of my daughters who was worried about going to the dentist the following afternoon. She was afraid she might have a cavity, which could lead to having a tooth pulled. I explained that what she was fearing might not even happen. I reminded her of Philippians 4:6, which says, “Be careful [full of care] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
How ironic it was, then, that the very next day I found myself worked up about some decisions we’ll need to make in the coming weeks and months. I was stressing about possible scenarios and outcomes that might play out in those situations.
Then it hit me – how dare I counsel my daughter about her worries and then become mired in my own?! Just as with her circumstance, some of the things I was worrying about may not even take place.
I was convicted; the answer to my worry is prayer, making my concerns known to God and then leaving them with Him.
This was not a one-time conversation for her or for me. I know that both of us will be tempted to worry again, but with God’s help, we can remember to take every care to Him. As I Peter 5:7 reminds us, we can cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.
“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” ~Corrie Ten Boom
Tracey, thank you so much for this reminder! Additional burdens right now and this helps me remember WHO to focus on ! Love and prayers! Chris
Worrying is such a burden isn't it? I used to get myself so worked up about everything and anything and realized that I was missing out on just the joy of everyday life! Now I have a few verses that I repeat when I start to stress/worry that they ground me back in His care 🙂
Worrying has been my biggest struggle in life. In fact, do you remember Shel Silverstein? My mom joked she should have his poem "What If" copied and laminated to put in my room, since it fit me to a t.
But, of course, God knew I couldn't keep going down that road, so he gave me Junior. I have had to trust Him every second of Junior's life, or else I'd be lost. Yes, my problems have gotten bigger, but my worries have gotten less. Sometimes it takes a trial by fire to realize that worrying does nothing but rid today of it's joy.
So true!! Learning to trust God is a great antidote to worry!!