A Lesson Learned: Worry

I worry about everything. And I do mean everything! Whether it is an infestation of brown recluse spiders in our house or Big Brother going to kindergarten (which is 3 years away, mind you). I can worry myself sick…literally.

I didn’t used to be this way…I used to be daring and adventurous. I was the first one to go snow-skiing through the trees and jump off cliffs at the lake with all the boys. It’s really only been since having children that I’ve become a worrier.

I’m convinced that God gives parents, mothers especially, the instinct to protect and nurture their children. He entrusts us with these little miracles and we are given the enormous responsibility to take care of them. Of course we should try to protect them in whatever way possible! And part of this involves us attempting to control what we can to keep them safe and healthy.

Ultimately, however, most things are out of our control. That’s where I start worrying…and worrying…and worrying….and worrying. But that’s where God says, “Stop worrying and just give it to me.”  Unfortunately, this usually isn’t the first, second, or even third thing I do when I start to worry about something.

I decided to make scripture cards to keep in my purse. The goal is to take these cards out whenever I feel myself starting to worry about something. This idea was suggested at a Bible study I participated in last spring. I started it then but am just now getting around to finishing.

So I thought I would share with you the scriptures I am adding to my list in case any of you suffer from “worryitis” like I do. Most of these are probalby scriptures you’ve heard before…but I decided to use “The Message” translation because lately it has breathed new life into some of my favorite scriptures.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” -Philippians 4:6

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” -Matthew 6:34

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me.” John 14:1

And when I doubt my ability as a mother…I love this one because it puts things into perspective:

I am God, the only God there is. Besides me there are no real gods. I’m the one who armed you for this work. I am God, the only God there is. I form light and create darkness, I make harmonies and create discords. I, God, do all these things.” Isaiah 45: 5, 7

And if you really need to be put in your place…go and read Job 38. You’ll be glad you did!

4 Comments

  1. I'm a worrier, too, and feel like it's doubled since we found out that our son has a life-threatening peanut allergy. That's enough to send a mom over the edge (bcs there are so many normal mom worries already). But, God has led me to Psalm 94:19 — "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." (NKJV) When I stop to think about God and praise Him instead of worry, my focus changes and I can rest easier knowing this BIG God of ours is watching our for the littlest of guys even better than we ever could! Think this worry-pray-praise thing will be a work in progress the rest of our lives! ;)

  2. Those little scripture cards are an excellent way to get the word of God into our lives. As you read them you are renewing you mind, and transforming your thinking. before you know it the worry will have gone.
    PS I am a newcomer to this site. Love it!!!

  3. "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George is a great book that really challenged me to "take every thought captive"…and that includes worrying! I just saw her at a conference last night where she spoke on worry. It's a great book :)

  4. I have been following your blog but I'm not sure if I have ever commented. I just read this post and it was just what I needed to hear. I worry too and I worry a lot about my oldest going to kindergarten next year and my husband just got laid off. I needed to be reminded that God is in control and not to worry. Thanks for sharing!

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