Don’t Worry!
October 13, 2014//
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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
I pride myself in not being a worrier. There’s that awful word pride! Years ago I was a wreck, suffering sleepless nights, anxious about many things. I don’t remember if I was inspired by this verse or not, but I definitely followed Paul’s advice. I determined that if I did not have the ability to impact something, I would give it to God rather than worry. If I had the power to change the situation, then I would act. When my imagination drifted toward the what-ifs, the question was “Can I do something about this?” If not, I arrested the thought and turned it into prayer.
It worked! What was a conscious effort for a while has changed who I am. I don’t even go to the what-ifs anymore. Some would say I don’t think about consequences and perhaps that’s true, but I much prefer the peace I feel without anxiety.
However….
While I was meditating on this verse this morning, God put my pride in its place. I am still a worrier when it comes to expressing displeasure. I stew when I need to address any kind of conflict. I invent complete conversations, anticipating every response, defense and retort. Did you see how my worry escalated a simple comment into an argument? And so I don’t speak, but continue to stew until the pot boils over. Worry is poison.
God, help me learn to pray instead of stew. Give me kind words and the courage to speak. Don’t let my mind assume another’s response, but help me listen openly. Thank you, God, for knowing my heart.
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