How to stop worrying, and instead trust God?
In the midst of today’s challenges, God invites us to not worry, but instead trust him. See how…
by Marilyn Adamson
I have to be honest, I have a pretty easy life. Yet, no matter whose life it is, there are challenges. Right??
There are concerns that cause us to be wide awake at 3 a.m., reviewing situations. Wondering what action we should/could take. What to think about it. What to say.
Even GOOD things, new opportunities can cause fear.
So, what do we do with those issues that cause us to lose sleep, that press on our hearts and minds? What do we do with our challenges, our fears?
If we are wise, we go to where there is help! We bring them to God.
For here’s what God says…
“…do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is 41)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Is 40)
“For I am the Lord, YOUR God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” (Is 41)
“Do not be afraid…for I myself will help you, declares the Lord, your Redeemer.” (Is 41)
“…as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Ps 73)
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I shall not be greatly shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” (Ps 62)
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” (Ps 62)
Just from these verses we find out:
God will strengthen us.
He is with us.
He is our God.
He will uphold us.
He will take hold of our hand.
He will help us.
He is our rock. (So we can stand firmly.)
He is our salvation. (He rescues us, saves us.)
He is our fortress. (He protects us.)
He is our refuge. (He is powerful and he loves us.)
My go-to verses when I begin to worry are Philippians 4:4-7.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Against I will say, rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
I force myself to read those verses out loud. Then I act on each part:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand.”
[This is why we can rejoice…the Lord is at hand. So, we stop and thank God that he is with us, he knows all about the situation and our needs. He is at hand.]
Have no anxiety about anything [no loopholes here]
[instead] but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God.
[Ask God for what we need. Ask.]
[result] And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” [hearts and minds…find God’s peace]
These are good verses to write out and memorize.