Worry Not

For most of my life I have been consumed by worry.  As a child of an alcoholic, there always seemed to be a cause for worry.  As an adult, I have worried about what might happen, what might not happen and what I will do if it does happen.  Worry has stolen much joy from my life.

On January 3, 2007, my husband was scheduled to have a kidney transplant.  A donor had been identified and multiple obstacles had been overcome. In the days leading up to the transplant, we worried about many things.  Teddy had developed sores in his mouth that we were afraid would stop the transplant.  We worried that his dialysis has not adequately prepared him for surgery.  On January 1, 2007, Teddy had a heart attack. How had I missed worrying about that?

The Lord used this very difficult experience to show me how useless it is to worry.  God is in control and we can trust Him completely with all of the details of our life.  Over and over in scripture we are reminded about the futility of worry.  We clearly do not even know what to worry about.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJ
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our Lord loves us so much that He provided the Holy Spirit to give us the peace we need to keep our hearts and minds free from worry.  Matthew 6:34 says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”.  That is clear direction about worry!

Have you allowed worry to steal the joy and peace from your life?  The Lord has brought many trials in my life that could cause me great worry.  He has also provided the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit to give the peace that surpasses understanding.  Don’t worry, be joyful!

John 14:1 NKJ
Do not let your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me.