I was worried this morning. My dear husband developed a high fever and coughed nearly non-stop last night. Because these things occupied my mind I snapped at him, then I snapped at my sister. But it wasn't until Gizmo, the cat, took one look at me and ran to hide under the bed that it dawned on me I was "acting ugly," as Mom used to say.
Why is it that I so frequently do the unprofitable thing before I think to do the profitable thing? I've gone this worry route before and know the only relief is found in faith. But it seems it doesn't occur to me until I've scorched the planet a time or two. After doing the practical things like praying for him, calling the doctor and making him comfortable it was time to reflect on how to better handle this next time.
First thing is to ask forgiveness from God who blesses me with all things. I have a friend who told me that she used to worry about her children so much she called them constantly if they were away from home and sent smoke alarms with them when they went to another child's house to play. She said that one time when she was fretting and stewing in prayer she heard the Spirit speak to her heart saying, "If they are such a worry to you I can always bring them home." WOW.
Secondly, I need to ask forgiveness of the ones I spoke sharply to. They are my beloved family, the greatest blessings of my life and I love them dearly.
Third, I must refocus on the Lord. I have a friend who says frequently,"Glance at the problem and gaze at the Savior." How reassuring my Lord is. He is the all-powerful One and only God of the Universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth and He is LOVE. He is well able to handle any problem I surrender to Him, but doesn't seem inclined to wrestle them from my hands. I surrender, Lord.
And finally, I want to remind myself of what the Lord has to say in His Word about worry:
Matt. 6:25 says not to worry about my life.
Matt. 6:34 says not to worry about tomorrow.
Mark 13:11 tells us not to worry before hand.
Luke 12:25 and 26 say: "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?
Blessings,
Patti and Cara
Classic Christianity:A Year of Timeless Devotions
Why is it that I so frequently do the unprofitable thing before I think to do the profitable thing? I've gone this worry route before and know the only relief is found in faith. But it seems it doesn't occur to me until I've scorched the planet a time or two. After doing the practical things like praying for him, calling the doctor and making him comfortable it was time to reflect on how to better handle this next time.
First thing is to ask forgiveness from God who blesses me with all things. I have a friend who told me that she used to worry about her children so much she called them constantly if they were away from home and sent smoke alarms with them when they went to another child's house to play. She said that one time when she was fretting and stewing in prayer she heard the Spirit speak to her heart saying, "If they are such a worry to you I can always bring them home." WOW.
Secondly, I need to ask forgiveness of the ones I spoke sharply to. They are my beloved family, the greatest blessings of my life and I love them dearly.
Third, I must refocus on the Lord. I have a friend who says frequently,"Glance at the problem and gaze at the Savior." How reassuring my Lord is. He is the all-powerful One and only God of the Universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth and He is LOVE. He is well able to handle any problem I surrender to Him, but doesn't seem inclined to wrestle them from my hands. I surrender, Lord.
And finally, I want to remind myself of what the Lord has to say in His Word about worry:
Matt. 6:25 says not to worry about my life.
Matt. 6:34 says not to worry about tomorrow.
Mark 13:11 tells us not to worry before hand.
Luke 12:25 and 26 say: "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?
Blessings,
Patti and Cara
Classic Christianity:A Year of Timeless Devotions
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