by Andrew Cromwell
Life is frustrating. Just about the time things appear to be in order, something goes wrong. Often it seems as if all we do is crisis management, running from one fire to the next, just trying to keep our head above the water. And then when everything is going smoothly, we start to worry because we know something is about to go wrong. So even the enjoyment of these moments is robbed from us.
If this describes your situation, then I have a suggestion. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong and instead of being overwhelmed by the impossible task of trying to fix and control everything in your life, give that up. Seriously. Stop trying to fix and control the things that you can’t.
We don’t like this suggestion because we generally prefer to live in the fantasy where we are able to control and carry everything. We tell ourselves that if we just keep moving, keep talking, keep working, and keep fixing, then things won’t fall apart. But we need to remember that very often we are just afraid of being still as we obsessively nag and manipulate those around us in order to create the world that we want.
Sorry if I stepped on your toes there.
So stop focusing on the things that you can’t control in the first place. Stop worrying about all the stuff you can’t even do anything about. The Bible’s advice is to take the things you are worried about and turn them into prayers and God will give you peace in exchange for anxiety:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7
Instead of focusing on things you can’t do, focus on the things you can do! We often ignore the things we actually can do, failing to realize the incredible power these things have. Instead of worrying about whether or not you are going to lose your job and being paralyzed by it, you can talk to your boss, show up earlier and work your hardest. Instead of worrying about your marriage or your relationship with your kids, you can plan a date, write a note, or do something special for them. And instead of wishing things were different so you could finally do “x”, maybe it’s time do actually do something about it.
Above all, we should never think prayer is not doing something. Very often prayer is exactly the thing we need to do, but because prayer involves us slowing down and talking to God, we feel like it doesn’t really “do” anything. Prayer has the power to change both us and the situation. It is the process of inviting the supernatural into the natural.
We should never underestimate that.
Showing posts with label worry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worry. Show all posts
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Overcoming Worry
by Andrew Cromwell
It is said,“worry is the darkroom where negatives are developed.” You know how it goes, you begin to focus on an issue or relationship that you are concerned about, and before you know it your stomach is in knots, you are feeling depressed and you’re in exactly the same position you were before you started to worry. The negatives have been fully developed!
According to a University of Michigan study, of the things we worry about:
• 60% will never happen
• 20% are in our past and out of our control
• 10% are about insignificant little things.
Of the remaining 10%, only 4-5% of the things we worry about are real and justifiable.
If this is true, we waste a lot of time worrying! But it is worse than that. When we worry we place ourselves in a mental state that is actually harmful to our body. Worry has been shown to cause mental and emotional fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, poor memory, ulcers, headaches, insomnia, backaches and many other medical conditions.
Even more importantly, though, when we worry we demonstrate our lack of faith in God. Let me be clear about this. Worry is not having one fearful thought about the fact that something negative may happen. Instead, it is the decision to continually return to an area of concern and to allow our imagination to paint pictures of negativity and fear.
When we worry, we make a decision to ignore what God says and focus on our fears. God says that He will work out everything for the good of those who love Him and walk according to His purpose. We either believe God or we choose to worry. You can’t do both at the same time.
God says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Worry says, “but what if I make a fool of myself.” God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Worry says, “God can’t love me because of what I’ve done.” God says, “My God shall supply all my needs.” Worry says, “I don’t know how I’m going to make ends meet this month.”
God and worry are always in opposition to one another. They will never agree on anything. The question is, who are we going to believe, God or worry? God is a God of peace, not of worry. So the next time you begin to worry, try this instead:
• Focus on praising God not on your circumstances.
• Remind yourself of God’s love and of the truths of His Word.
• Chose to think God thoughts rather than worry thoughts.
• Decide to follow Him, He will always lead you away from worry!
It is said,“worry is the darkroom where negatives are developed.” You know how it goes, you begin to focus on an issue or relationship that you are concerned about, and before you know it your stomach is in knots, you are feeling depressed and you’re in exactly the same position you were before you started to worry. The negatives have been fully developed!
According to a University of Michigan study, of the things we worry about:
• 60% will never happen
• 20% are in our past and out of our control
• 10% are about insignificant little things.
Of the remaining 10%, only 4-5% of the things we worry about are real and justifiable.
If this is true, we waste a lot of time worrying! But it is worse than that. When we worry we place ourselves in a mental state that is actually harmful to our body. Worry has been shown to cause mental and emotional fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, poor memory, ulcers, headaches, insomnia, backaches and many other medical conditions.
Even more importantly, though, when we worry we demonstrate our lack of faith in God. Let me be clear about this. Worry is not having one fearful thought about the fact that something negative may happen. Instead, it is the decision to continually return to an area of concern and to allow our imagination to paint pictures of negativity and fear.
When we worry, we make a decision to ignore what God says and focus on our fears. God says that He will work out everything for the good of those who love Him and walk according to His purpose. We either believe God or we choose to worry. You can’t do both at the same time.
God says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Worry says, “but what if I make a fool of myself.” God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Worry says, “God can’t love me because of what I’ve done.” God says, “My God shall supply all my needs.” Worry says, “I don’t know how I’m going to make ends meet this month.”
God and worry are always in opposition to one another. They will never agree on anything. The question is, who are we going to believe, God or worry? God is a God of peace, not of worry. So the next time you begin to worry, try this instead:
• Focus on praising God not on your circumstances.
• Remind yourself of God’s love and of the truths of His Word.
• Chose to think God thoughts rather than worry thoughts.
• Decide to follow Him, He will always lead you away from worry!
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