With all that is going on in the world today, there is much to cause us to worry. Yes, we all have legitimate concerns that can unsettle our souls. However, we can choose the manner in which we respond to the challenges we face.
As followers of Christ, worry should not be our response. It is a destructive habit that does not accomplish anything other than emotional and sometimes even physical distress. Worry steals our peace. When we succumb to worrying, it is a sign that we are not fully trusting our Heavenly Father, our Sovereign Lord, the Creator of the Universe.
The Lord does not want us to live in a state of fear and anxiety. His children are precious to Him. We are His treasured possessions and He cares about every detail of our lives. We are the apple of His eye and He holds us in the palm of His hand. He has not, nor will He ever leave us or forsake us. we are His and He is ours.
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
When we cry out to Him, seeking Him in prayer, His Spirit guides our thoughts. We can choose to stop worrying. You are probably thinking, “you mean worrying less, right?” No, choose to stop worrying!
We cannot control the thoughts that pop into our minds but we can control what takes root and dwells there. It is up to us to give a thought permission to take residence. At the beginning of this year, I decided that any time an unsettling thought entered my mind causing my natural inclination to worry, I would take that concern to the Lord in prayer. We have a choice and authority over the thoughts we allow to make a home in our minds and dwell there. When under overwhelming stress, I will say a quick but powerful prayer, “Lord, please help me to take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to you” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Paul also tells us in Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Beloved, in these uncertain times and with the many personal battles we face throughout our lives, this is not an easy task. In fact, without our Heavenly Father to help us, we would not be able to do it. He wants us to cast our cares to Him and trust Him with them. He is more than capable of anything we throw into His mighty hands. He is a loving, kind and merciful Father, perfect in every way.
Psalm 55:22 says: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
We may feel like everything around us is shaking, and it may very well be but we serve the Almighty God of the Universe, yet He is mindful of us. He can do the impossible. His power is limitless. He loves us and He wants us to trust Him. You can sleep soundly tonight knowing that when you cast your cares to Him, they are in the most capable hands.
Take a deep breath, exhale fear and anxiety and inhale the peace that comes from abiding in Christ. Resting in Him settles our weary souls.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Heavenly Father, thank You for being an amazing Father and for loving us more than we could ever imagine. Thank You for Your goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives. Thank You that we can rest knowing that when we cast our cares to You, we have no need to worry or fear. You take such excellent care of us. We love You and give You all the praise and the glory. In Jesus’ Mighty Matchless Name, Amen.
Written By Lanette Black
IWM Writer and Blogger
