People have been admonishing me to stop worrying all my life. If worrying was an Olympic sport, I could
have earned a ten. Unfortunately, my
friends’ and families’ well meant reprimands did not help ease my worried mind
in the least.
Worry is like vomit.
When you have the stomach flu, even if your friends and family warn you
not to vomit, most likely you cannot keep yourself from throwing up. Vomiting is something you can fight, but you
cannot win until your stomach flu has run its course.
Healing must come before worrying can stop. This does not mean that life must be good or
trouble free before you can stop worrying.
However, it does mean that worry is a symptom, not the main
problem.
How do I keep from stressing out? Rick Warren of Saddleback Church recently gave
me a new perspective and helpful advice to overcoming worry:
Worrying is stewing without doing. Whenever possible, take action when you feel
worried.
Don’t panic, pray!
Turn your worried thoughts into prayer.
If we prayed as much as we worried, we would have much less to worry
about.
Watch less television.
Going on a media fast can dramatically reduce your stress level. Not only will your mind be calmer without the
drama of television thrillers, but you will also have more time to read God’s word and
pray. “If you look at the world, you'll
be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God
you'll be at rest.” – Corrie ten Boom
Learn to be more content.
Enjoy what you have now, without waiting for something else to be
happy:
- Stop comparing yourself, your life, or your things
- Stop thinking that having more will make life better
- Learn to admire without having to acquire
Thank God in all things.
(not for all things, but in all things: have an attitude of
gratitude and look for the good in every day and in every situation.) “When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a
great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus” -Corrie ten Boom
Think about good things.
Consider how God has blessed and rescued you in the past. Dwell on your previous successes. Think about future opportunities, and realize
that the difficulties you face are all part of God’s perfect plan for your
life.
“There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.” -Corrie ten Boom
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Talk to God about everything. Having a lifestyle of prayer will heal your
soul and help you to feel God’s love.
“There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.” -Corrie ten Boom
Matthew 6:28b-30
See how the flowers of the field grow. They
do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you
that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not
much more clothe you—you of little faith?
I like to think of all the flowers that are never seen by human eyes,
but God still cares for them.
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