Worry is a common "acceptable" sin that is overlooked. I know that the future can be scary. There are the little things like “What am I going to wear?” or “ Did I forget to turn off the stove?” Then there are first impressions or fretting over that awkward moment. On top of that there are major choices like deciding on what major, college, finances, sports, and grades. As a good friend put it, “Worry is the sin of not trusting God.” God is the ultimate Sovereign provider and He is taking care of everything. I need to submit and surrender myself to Him instead of trying to solve my problems and struggles on my own.
Matthew 6:25
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
The time I waste on worrying is ridiculous when I could be using it for evangelizing, encouraging others, serving, and reading my Bible. (An anxious heart weighs a man down Proverbs 12:25) Worry doesn’t benefit you in any way and hinders spiritual growth.
So Here is how you can overcome worry through Him:
1. Pray
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and direction. After all He is the best person to talk to about everything:) Prayer lets you trust and depend on God. Ask other people to pray for you and keep you accountable.
2. Take every thought captive
2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to take every thought captive. When a thought pops into my head, I don’t dwell on it longer but I think, “Does this glorify God?” Worry doesn’t because I’m not thinking that God will provide when He promises He will. Fight those thoughts with His word.
3. Meditate on Scripture
Remember God’s promises- this is the God who created the world, the God who sent His son down to die on the cross for your sin. He cares that much about you. It is silly how I am trusting that He is able to save me from my sin and eternal punishment but I am not trusting him with something little like finals. That is ridiculous and one way the enemy tries to chase after us by thinking that it is not a “big deal” when it is. God is in complete control. He looks after the sparrows and the lilies. (Matthew 6:26)As His children, we are worth so much more and we can trust that He will take care of us. When I read God’s word, I am so refreshed and thankful (One encouraging verse I love is Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this). Meditating on Scripture keeps your mind focused on Christ and pursuing Him above all things.
Which reminds me of this quotation,"Your greatest need is to be delivered from the wrath of God and that has already been accomplished for you through the death and resurrection of Christ. So why doubt that his will provide a much MUCH lesser need? Trust his sovereignty, trust His wisdom, trust his love."
So don't worry, trust Him for He is PERFECTLY trustworthy!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Reflections on 2009
I would have to say 2009 was the toughest year of my life. Just a lot of things happened.I had a bitter attitude and an unforgiving heart towards the events of last year. It was also the best year because I had God to comfort and give me strength. I grew so much in my walk with Him. That is what matters. He is everything I need
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
Before even when I was a baby Christian I was still weak I was still spoon feed and I was still selfish.- 2 Peter 1:3 ESV
Reflecting on this past year, I've discovered a lot of things about myself in the midst of my hardest times. I am sustained and strengthened by Him. Oh, how He loves us so. God is good even when life isn't and the best part is that He never changes. (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6) I complained, whined, and cried but I'm glad I didn't have it my way. These trials exposed the pride and bitterness of my heart. Through these, I learned that I want God's way. He has a perfect and Sovereign purpose, will and timing. God is so good to me. so good. I cannot even explain it in words. I've heard that God places the toughest burdens on those who can carry the most? But He will never give you more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) I am so thankful for everything that He has blessed me with. Through all the tears and trials in life, He was always there guiding me. I cannot even imagine life with God. I would still be a lost wandering soul if I wasn't redeemed and regenerated.
"I would rather be with God in a storm than anywhere else without Him."
I still have a lot of maturing to do as a follower of Christ. My happiness isn't from outward appearances, circumstances, or when life is smooth. It stems from an everlasting eternal joy that only Christ can give. ahhhh I just love Him so much. Every day is a gift. Every day is a good day because it is the day the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24) Maybe some people would wonder why I'm joyful. They might think that the perfect circumstance, the right person, and that materialistic item will give them fulfillment. That's nothing at all apart from Jesus. The day I realized my relationship with God alone is all I need, was the day my life transformed. My walk with Him deepened. I am not entitled to a good life, but I have the only life. And that's all I need. This past year has been sanctifying I am looking forward to 2010 as another year to serve and glorify Him!
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
Before even when I was a baby Christian I was still weak I was still spoon feed and I was still selfish.- 2 Peter 1:3 ESV
Reflecting on this past year, I've discovered a lot of things about myself in the midst of my hardest times. I am sustained and strengthened by Him. Oh, how He loves us so. God is good even when life isn't and the best part is that He never changes. (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6) I complained, whined, and cried but I'm glad I didn't have it my way. These trials exposed the pride and bitterness of my heart. Through these, I learned that I want God's way. He has a perfect and Sovereign purpose, will and timing. God is so good to me. so good. I cannot even explain it in words. I've heard that God places the toughest burdens on those who can carry the most? But He will never give you more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) I am so thankful for everything that He has blessed me with. Through all the tears and trials in life, He was always there guiding me. I cannot even imagine life with God. I would still be a lost wandering soul if I wasn't redeemed and regenerated.
"I would rather be with God in a storm than anywhere else without Him."
I still have a lot of maturing to do as a follower of Christ. My happiness isn't from outward appearances, circumstances, or when life is smooth. It stems from an everlasting eternal joy that only Christ can give. ahhhh I just love Him so much. Every day is a gift. Every day is a good day because it is the day the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24) Maybe some people would wonder why I'm joyful. They might think that the perfect circumstance, the right person, and that materialistic item will give them fulfillment. That's nothing at all apart from Jesus. The day I realized my relationship with God alone is all I need, was the day my life transformed. My walk with Him deepened. I am not entitled to a good life, but I have the only life. And that's all I need. This past year has been sanctifying I am looking forward to 2010 as another year to serve and glorify Him!
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