Stop worrying

How many of us have made New Year Resolutions.? And how often have we broken those promises? I reckon a good one to make this year is to stop worrying. You know I’ve heard it said that a mother worries about her children to show that she loves them. But you know I think that is a lie of the enemy. If the devil can clutter up your mind with unnecessary cares, thoughts, worries then it makes less space for the Word of God or the good things we need to focus on. If we stop worrying about our families does that mean we love them any less? Not at all. We can show them that love by the right guidance, advice, (even if they don’t listen) listening to them and just being there. Worry and anxiety don’t actually help them one little bit. If they have gone off doing who knows what with who knows who then pray for them instead of worrying.

Mark 4 v 6 tells us about the thorny ground which is when the message which has gone into good ground is crowded out by the cares and worries of life. So there just isn’t room for God’s word to survive. Matthew’s gospel tells us ‘…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink….then in verse 26 of Matthew 6 ‘Look at the birds of the air for they neither sow nor reap…yet your Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?’ I’ve often read of Gloria Copeland who, when she read these verses, realised that God must love her more than the birds of the air and she then gave her life to the Lord.

One verse I always remember is in Philippians,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will protect your heart and mind through Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:6 NLT

So, if we find ourselves worrying about family, finances, work, relationships etc just stop and think that it’s not really helping. Memorize this verse in Philippians as I did years ago and then repeat it over and over again if necessary and I promise you will find the peace of God in your heart. It takes practice but believe me it is worth it. Don’t forget the bit about ‘gratitude’ or thanksgiving. Thank God for all the blessings he has given you and His peace will fill that gap taken up by worry. Worrying doesn’t solve anything!

: Terry Walmsley :