If You Worry - Read This

Do any of these words describe you? Fearful. Anxious. Apprehensive. Agitated. Concerned. Disquiet. Nervous. Perturbed. Stressed. Uneasy. Dismayed. Edgy.

If so, read on...

I come from a long line of "hand-wringers."

You know the kind. White-knuckled, worry warts.

Trusting the Lord and hand-wringing don't mix.

Be anxious for nothing. Philippians 4:6a

Anxious (merimnaō): to be troubled with cares.

Do not be troubled with cares.

I grew up learning how to worry. My mom and grandmother both were quick to warn me of all the dangers of this world. But no one was too quick to teach me how to trust the Lord with those dangers.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6b

Everything (pas): in every way; on every side, in every particular relation or matter

The antidote for worry? Prayer. Petition. And thanksgiving. About everything - in every way. On every side. In every particular matter.

Your details are not insignificant to the Father.

Worry on the other hand? Significant.

Worry (def) n. an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble.

This strikes me funny. First of all, worry is a noun. A person place thing or idea. The anticipated idea that some misfortune might happen. Isn't that the truth?

I will be the first to admit...I want to go there. Worry. My flesh wants to cling to every apprehension, care, concern, fear and anxiety.

I want to wallow around in it. Weep, worry and wring my hands.

But I die to that. By faith. I crucify my worry and live by faith.

Be anxious for nothing. Pray and Petition.



I could really wring my hands this morning. So much is going on around here. I am neck deep in elderly care (ahem, prayer needed). So I write it out in a petition to the Lord. Everything. Every matter.

And then give Him thanks.

In light of summer, do you have concerns? What are your desires? Are you worried? Fearful you just might lose your mind?

In light of health, do you have anxiety?

In light of money, are you apprehensive?

Prayer and Petition. Write down your specific requests. Every matter.

And give Him thanks.

Nothing is insignificant. Pray about it all. And, by golly,...



"Pray Big."

This sign rests on my mantle. A reminder to me and to my family that the Lord is ready to do the unthinkable.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. John 16:23

And what follows prayer and petition? Peace.

And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Crucify your worry. And, in Christ Jesus, claim your peace today.