Worry

July 8th – Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

Trusting God grants us profound freedom by releasing us from the grip of anxiety and fear about the future. When we trust in His sovereignty and love, we are liberated from the paralyzing effects of worry, allowing us to live in the present with peace and confidence. This trust involves acknowledging that God is in control, and His plans are good, even when the future seems uncertain. Surrendering our worries to Him means actively choosing to lay down our anxieties through prayer and faith, believing that He cares for us and will provide for our needs. By focusing on God’s faithfulness today, we avoid the mental and emotional burden of speculating about what might happen tomorrow. This daily act of trust not only brings inner peace but also aligns our hearts with God’s will, enabling us to respond to today’s challenges with clarity and strength. As we practice surrendering our worries to God, we experience the freedom of a life free from the bondage of future fears.

July 8th – Matthew 6:34 Read More »

April 28th – Matthew 6:28

Matthew 6:28

Oh to be like the lily of the field. Clothed in beauty by the Creator’s hand, and spending the day swaying in the spring breeze without a care in the world. Although we know we will face difficulty in this life, we never have to face them alone. God invites us to turn over our worry and burdens to Him. Trusting that His grace, which unfurls like the petals of a flower, will nurture our needs before they even arise. He wants us to stop wasting our time fretting over tomorrow, worrying who will provide for us. Because our Almighty God is in complete control, and orchestrates every dawn with tender precision. So just as spring surrenders to the rhythm of growth ordained by heaven, let us we surrender our cares. And instead embrace the promise that everything we need, like the morning dew upon the petals, will be abundantly provided. Where we will find the comfort of knowing that tomorrow’s worries are already cradled in the hands of the Eternal Gardener. And worry is replaced with serenity, anxiety overcome with peace.

April 28th – Matthew 6:28 Read More »

September 21st – Matthew 6:31

Matthew 6:31

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”

Scars and traumas we’ve suffered in the past can make trust and surrender difficult. And the thought of giving up control over our lives and circumstances is a scary thought. But that’s just what God commands us to do. He tells us to trust in Him, and His love. To surrender to His ability to take care of every need we have. But living in a fallen world means it’s in our nature to worry. Yet living a life of worry is pointless. It doesn’t change the outcome of any situation, and only adds undue anxiety. Jesus teaches that focusing on our worries will not extend our lives by even a fraction of a second, let alone improve it. In Matthew 6:27 He says, “And who of you being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Spending our time worrying about what might be, prevents us from experiencing the joy of what God is doing for us right now.  And more often than not, things usually don’t turned out as we feared. For as a famous scholar once said, “worry about the future is wasted effort, and the future of reality is seldom as bad as the future of our fears.”

September 21st – Matthew 6:31 Read More »

September 4th – Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. Especially as the days grow darker. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay trapped in the swirling cyclone of turmoil. We have a choice. But unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by anxiety and drama, without it they feel incomplete. And sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives, with His perfect peace. A peace that surpasses all human understanding. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances. Instead it’s rooted in our relationship with God. It’s a tranquil assurance that He is in control, cares for us deeply, and we can trust His wisdom and love. As long we the earth is our home we will encounter situations that will test our faith and attempt to rattle our peace. But the peace of God is a profound gift. One that calms the storms within us and allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence and a sense of inner serenity.

September 4th – Philippians 4:6-7 Read More »

April 12th – Psalm 61:4

Psalm 61:4

It’s easy to fall into a state of worry and fear. Because it’s natural to want to feel safe and protected; to worry for our safety and the safety of our loved ones. But fear is a weapon of the enemy. Satan fills our mind with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But as Christians we have the power to overcome fear. We can claim the promises of God who says that those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. And when we shelter under the wings of the Lord, not even the strongest storm can rattle our calm. The world is rapidly becoming more dangerous by the day.  And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear, or we can trust in God who promises to be a, “tower of strength against the enemy.” (Ps. 61:3)

April 12th – Psalm 61:4 Read More »

January 9th – Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2

When storms rage and the flood waters rise, the wisest advice is always to seek higher ground. Because the higher we climb, the more distance we put between us and the howling winds, the safer we become. And there’s no safer place to be than sheltered in the tent of the Lord. During times when we feel overwhelmed, we have the privilege of sheltering in the refuge of God. With everything happening in the world today, it’s easy for our hearts to become overwhelmed. And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear. Or we can trust in God who promises that those who put their faith in Him and not the world, can dwell forever in His fortress of peace and joy.

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January 23rd – Matthew 6:34

Matthew 6:34

The lyrics to one of my favorite songs go, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking from You. Just give me the strength to do everyday, what I have to do.” Every day is filled with its own unique challenges and circumstances. And Jesus wants us to focus on each one as it comes without worry for the future. Why? Because the Lord knows that worry causes needless fear and anxiety. Needless because no matter what tomorrow brings, God is already there. He’s there, in control, and working His plans for our good. Our focus should be on the day at hand. And trusting in God every moment of every day to supply all we need to get through it in victory. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future. But what it does mean is that we shouldn’t let the worry about that future rob us of the joy from God’s gift of today.

January 23rd – Matthew 6:34 Read More »

January 13th – Matthew 6:25

Matthew 6:25

For the past two hears, humanity has been involved in the turmoil of the pandemic. And the anxiety it’s caused has taken its toll in the lives of so many people! But we cannot let it oppress us nor enslave us! For there is a solution. And in God’s Word, Jesus taught His followers, who were also dealing with oppression, the steps to follow. Yes we should stop being worried, uneasy, and distracted. You might say it is easier said than done, but when you realize WHO you are putting your trust in, than you can freely rest on Him and put ALL your confidence in your Heavenly Father!

When we are worried and anxious about the material things of life we behave like pagans. Like idol worshippers, we set our trust on our own efforts and set out hearts on our needs. But our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, and in the exact time He will provide. But we need to trust Him enough to let go. What is distracting you from receiving the blessings of His Provision for each aspect of your life? Blessings, Mari

January 13th – Matthew 6:25 Read More »

January 10th – James 4:8

James 4:8

What if I told you that fear is a sin? How? Because fear stems from pride. And pride submits to no one, thinking we ourselves know best. It’s the same with fear. When we let fear dictate our actions, we’re telling God we trust more in that fear than in His promises. So how do we knock fear off the throne in our lives? In writing his letter to the Jews, James gives us the tools. Humility and faith. Humility is never an easy pill to swallow. Because admitting we are wrong, being vulnerable and submitting is hard. But when we come to God with a truly humble heart, He welcomes us with open arms, inviting us to draw near to Him. To in faith, leave our fear at the door and safely shelter in His mighty fortress. An impenetrable fortress of power, mercy, and wisdom. So draw near to Him, and lay your fears at the feet of Jesus. Give Him your sorrows, worries, tears, and anxiety. Receive His healing of your heart and mind, and walk in the Lord’s freedom!

 

 

January 10th – James 4:8 Read More »