You got it! The benefits of worry are as valuable and motivating as this empty box. No inspiration; only empty defeat.
If you’re worried about what you hear on the news, see battled on TV, and debated on social media, please remember that worry and fear are worthless emotions. They do nothing to change whatever situation is causing them. Romans 12:9 says “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Worry and fear drag you to the depths and weigh you down so heavily, you can’t rise above the burden and live life inspired.
We know that fear and worry don’t come from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 ” God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Let’s all try this instead. 1 Thessalonians 5:17&19 ” pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;Do not quench the Spirit.” Tough to do, huh? I know. We think we have to do something – and we can do something, but let it be focused, productive, beneficial and not encumbered with fear and worry.
How about Joshua 1:9 instead “Have I [God] not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” There’s something else we can do too. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
We think that applies to the world at large, the population, the civilizations and entire countries, when in fact, it starts with me. It begins with what I harbor in my own heart. Do I humble myself before the Lord and earnestly pray for my country and for the leaders who are making decisions based, not on God’s foundation but on their own shifting political sand? Our nation, any nation, is comprised of millions of unique individuals with varying degrees of knowledge and a boatload of opinion. Only God has the power and the knowledge to sort it all out and be the commander and controller of it all.
Instead of worry and fear, let this be our prayer. “Lord God, you are the awesome creator of all things. Everything, everything, God is under your control. Nothing catches you by surprise. Where you see a defect in my thoughts, please reveal it to me and make me willing to change it before it becomes a defective act. Lord, in all these situations in the news, please infuse your power and your divine guidance. Please have mercy on those who suffer because of ungodly decisions that are made out of ignorance of your will and defiance of your commandments. And Lord God, show me clearly what my role is in the battle for your purpose to be served and exalted. I love you Lord. Your children love you. Give us grace. Give us peace. We ask and believe you for it. Amen
To that I add: Selah (think about it)
I woke up thinking of this song this morning. I hope you like it.
Because of Grace we Press On
I really like this one and will keep up with my prayers thank you so much for keeping me on track
Aw Jennie, you are such a blessing. I wrote that in about 5 minutes because I was feeling so bad for many of my friends who worry until they’re sick. And they worry about things they can’t control. We all have to practice giving up the worry and giving in to God because we really have control over nothing. Our lives can change in a heartbeat. The urgent thing is to just keep praying and doing what we can do without wasting energy on things we can not.
Jane, this really helped me today. Thank you!
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Jill, you are too valuable to God to be pressed into the bonds of worry. Be blessed with joy today.