Are
you worried about something? Do you feel anxious? The truth is, we
probably all experience these feelings at some time or another! It
seems we all have a human tendency to allow the circumstances of our
lives to take an emotional toll on us. We worry and fret about
things we would be better off giving to Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING by prayer
and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known
to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". There's
a story about a lady who constantly worried about dying from stomach
cancer. Every time she began to have stomach pains (caused by ulcers
- caused by worry), she would proclaim that she was dying of stomach
cancer! At the age of 77 she did die...of pneumonia! Unfortunately,
for her, she wasted so much of her life worrying about something
that never came to pass. How often do you catch yourself worrying
about something? How often do you find your mind pre-occupied with
negative thoughts? How often do you have problems sleeping at night
because something is worrying you? Above we read about the proper
way of addressing worry...we don't do it! We take our requests to
the Lord. We pray. We give thanks. We basically lay our worries at
the feet of Jesus...we don't, or at least shouldn't give life to our
worries by concentrating on them. We instead, should concentrate on
Jesus! We should fill our minds with thanksgiving and praise. We
should TRUST. Worry is the anathema of trust. Quite frankly, it is
the absence of trust. It is in fact, nothing more than doubt
magnified! Why would we as Christ followers want to magnify DOUBT?!
The peace that surpasses ALL understanding, will guard the hearts
and minds of those who TRUST in Jesus. It is written, "God
knows those who trust in Him and blesses them". Growing up in
Lubbock, I had a tendency to worry about a lot of things. I worried
about my grades. I worried about my hair. I worried about tornadoes.
I worried about what people thought of me. I worried about how my
breath smelled! Funny thing is, none of those things were worth
worrying about! I realize that now. I realize it since God set me
free from the bondage of worry! But understand, it didn't take place
over night! I didn't quit worrying about things completely for
years! Now, however, I don't worry anymore...REALLY! I don't! Why?
Because God has transformed my way of thinking. I know that life is
fleeting. I realize there is nothing I can accomplish by worrying. I
know that I can accomplish great things by PRAYING...not by
worrying! Do you ever recite the scripture which states, "the
effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much"?
Perhaps you should. When I first learned almost twenty years ago my
mother was very ill, and was in need of a miracle touch of God...I
worried about her. I worried she might die. I worried for my
dad...how it would affect him. One day as I was worrying, the Holy
Spirit spoke to my heart. He asked, "Why are you
worrying"? I thought about it, and replied, "Because I
love her". The Holy Spirit said, "Your worry can
accomplish nothing, but your FAITH can"! From that day forward,
I began to trust the Lord completely regarding the future of my
mother's health. I literally laid my mother at Jesus' feet! Guess
what? The Lord gave me that PEACE which surpasses ALL understanding!
Because of my trust and obedience, He began guarding my heart and
mind in a POWERFUL way! What burden are you carrying today? What
load of care is weighing you down? What do you need to lay at His
feet? Remember, with prayer, supplication, and THANKSGIVING, make
your requests known to God. Lay it down! Let Him carry your burdens.
Trust Him...don't doubt Him! Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you...to
take your fears and worries away. He WILL do it...if we will but
believe and be obedient. Until next time...May you experience God's
BEST for your life!
Your
Partner in Ministry,
Greg McCowen
P.S.
- If you've never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior,
there's no time like the present! Confess your sins, ask for
forgiveness. Believe with your heart that He is the only Son of God,
who died, was buried, and rose from the dead, with life everlasting
for YOU! Ask Him to give you a brand new start and a perfectly clean
heart. Receive the better life He has to offer!
Covenant Life Fellowship - Lubbock
Church - (806) 771-4244
