The Great Robber

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Luke 12:25,26 (New American Standard Bible)

The King James Version asks if you can add a cubit to your height by worrying. Whether we are talking about adding time to our life or height to our stature the point is this…..worrying NEVER adds….it always takes away. It robs us of the very things we need like sleep, peace of mind, clear thinking, trust, faith, confidence, security, and health. Just look at the synonyms for worry: to fret, be anxious, lose sleep, excessive concern, troubled-spirit.

I found it interesting to see a definition for worry that I had never realized even existed. Believe it or not, a dog can worry a bone which simply means to treat it roughly, as with continual biting. Is that not a good picture of what worry does to our insides? It is remarkable how the worrying can go on in our head while the churning is going on in our gut! The next time I am worrying, stewing, fretting, or being perturbed over something, I want to picture that “dog” gnawing away at me!

I know one thing, worry and faith cannot co-exist. Only one can be experienced at a time. Worry tells me my problem is bigger than God, I am on my own, improvement of the situation is impossible, there is no hope for relief, and I will never be able to handle what is coming. Faith on the other hand says my God is bigger than ANY problem, He will NEVER leave me, He is working ALL things for my good, my hope is IN Christ, and I can do all things THROUGH Christ. I also know that worry and faith both have the potential to shut the other down. It comes down to this question….to what am I yielding my thoughts?

I will admit, some people are more prone to excessive worrying than others. But the same antidote is applicable for both. Voice out loud your true feelings. Admit to God what you are really thinking. Then find Scripture to contradict what you are believing about yourself and your situation. Counter the worry with truth. It will flee every time! Worry is an option. Faith is a necessity!

Father, I need not worry when I keep in mind all the truths You are teaching me about Yourself. Nothing is impossible for You! Amen.


You're Still God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvclzwpAMxg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

One Day at a Time

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (New King James Version)

Worry and the thoughts of what lies ahead can become distracting, discouraging, and daunting to the process of our journey. For some it may be the futuristic worries of finances, health, or security. Twelve step programs have it right. Their mantra is often, “One day at a time” and THAT day is the one being presently lived!

While I do not struggle with worries over physical issues, I recently caught myself being worried about the breaking of addictions and how I would be able to continue to walk in freedom for the rest of my life. I was becoming overwhelmed until God reminded me that I do not have to think about the “rest of my life” but rather just focus on His provision and power TODAY. That simple redirection of thought put my mind and heart at ease.

“Today” is a manageable amount of time. I have been through some changes and made some changes in my life and God’s instruction to me is to walk in obedience and cooperation with Him moment by moment for victory. Will there be setbacks and sidetracks? Absolutely! Will there be times when what seemed complete suddenly seems to come unraveled? Yes! Those are a given due to the fact that I am human and live in a fallen world. God’s reminder to me is to realize anew that it is all a process….a journey. He alone knows the full scope and end result of where He is leading me. He alone provides the where with all that empowers me to make right choices and live victoriously. He alone brings about the wholeness and fullness He has promised.

My responsibility is to do what He tells me to do and when I fail to quickly confess, repent, and embrace His forgiveness. It is not about perfection! It is about being in relationship with Him and walking in dependence upon Him. The problems come when I allow any thing or any one to come between me and His will and His ways. He is my Source! He is my Provider! He is my Necessity! Those are my “starting point” phrases that are meant to place my hands on the plow and feet on the path once again.

I cannot afford to think beyond today when it comes to living out His plan and purpose for me. The deliverance I seek is not to be found in a “moment” but rather in a life time of connecting to my Abba Father!

Father, thank you for giving me a life time to get it right! Amen.

One Day at a Time - Christy Lane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ExFtojY4Y0&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16