Worry & Doubt
Dear Friends,
Don't you hate it when people tell you not to worry? It’s easy for someone to say that when they aren’t feeling what you’re feeling. Each of us has our own unique problems that cause us to worry. Thankfully, each of us also has our own unique personal relationship with God, so we really don’t have to worry!
Many passages in the Bible tell us not to let ourselves become overwhelmed by anxiety. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that worrying is foolish and shows our lack of confidence in the ability of God to be our protector and provider. Worry causes us to lose focus on the things that are really important, and blows other things out of proportion. For instance, we get so focused on having money and possessions that we miss the journey of life alongside our Father. We get sucked in to worrying about earning more so we can have more and do more, and that means working more so we can continue to earn more… you see where that is headed.
Jesus also tells us that worrying makes us lose sight of who we belong to and shows that we think God does not care. Plus, worry is a fruitless activity; Jesus said, "Who by worry can add a single hour to his life." It’s unproductive, wasted energy that leads nowhere and changes nothing. It’s paralyzing in terms of negative health effects like high blood pressure, headaches, sleepless nights and so much more.
So ask yourself this question: "Do I trust God, or don't I?"
Philippians 4:6,7 tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage reminds us that when we have a need or a worry we can bring it to the Father. It also reminds us that just because we pray, all our problems will not go away or that the problem won't seem to get worse before it gets better. We are told that disabling worry and anxiety will be replaced with a feeling of peace that is beyond all logical explanation – a true and holy lightness of heart.
Read below what you can do (which I’ve also shared in recent blogs) to overcome your anxiety and return to God. Read it for yourself, and to prepare to counsel your clients when they come to you overwhelmed with worry and doubt:
• Repent – admit you’ve been living as if God couldn’t take care of you.
• Pray – tell Him what you are most worried about, make your requests known and thank Him for His faithful love.
• Live – rest in His arms and leave the future up to Him. After all, He is in control anyway!
Blessings,
Ron
A good reminder we should never loose focus of.
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Thank you again for another great message. As I listened, I thought about...should we make a financial plan when we become anxious too? Furthermore, what is the role of planning today for tomorrow (maybe "burdens) and trusting God? is it exclusive? Faithfully, I know God covers both- peace and planning guidance, yet rationally, its anxiety that makes me act, therefore plan, therefore thought of it as healthy (a "reminding bell", "a piece of rock inside my boot to take out" as I walk). Is comprehensive financial planning/planner for the future somewhat interfering with God's message of faith? or is financial planning the answer/guidance to our request to soothe the anxiety?
Again thank you for the message. It made me think about this things...also made me pray about the answers to my questions.
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