OVERCOMING WORRY
Did you watch the political debates this week? I did, and I heard some things I liked and others I didn’t. But I don’t want to go there. There’s too much antagonism, hostility and anger that rise to the surface when we start talking politics. And I get upset.
- So what shall we talk about instead? Don and I have had a very busy week. We’re doing a 1031 exchange of one rental property for another. Documentation, signatures, inspections abound.
- I’ve completed paperwork, signed documents, paid bills for repairs on the house we’re selling, filed a loan application, followed up with realtors, and worried!
- Meanwhile, Don has read through home inspection reports (on both houses), and 234-page CC&Rs in depth, while I skimmed them. We’re a team. He often tells me that when I thank him for his significant help.
While I’ve worried at times, that one or the other contract will fall through, I’ve also had the confidence that God is in control and if this exchange didn’t work, then He would lead us to something else.
Pastor Rene reminded us that worry is sin, because it is not trusting God. It changes nothing in the past or future and only makes our present harder. We’re told repeatedly in Scripture not to worry. Why is this one of the sins we take so lightly? We may say “I’d never cheat on my income taxes, or steal from a store …” but do we worry?
And can we change anything by worrying? Luke 12:25 says “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
So do you worry?
I confess I do. Victor Frankl, who alone of his family survived the Holocaust, said the people who lived through that horror while comforting others, while sharing the last of their bread, were those who exercised “the last of the human freedoms–to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” (Man’s Search for Meaning) The only thing they could control was their response in adversity.
Rene gave us four principles to guide us:
- Don’t worry about ANYTHING. Philippians 4:6a
- Pray about EVERYTHING. “When you pray, tell God every detail of your needs.” Philippians 4:6b
- Thank God in ALL things. I Thess. 5:18
- Think on the RIGHT things. Philippians 4:8 – “whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable…excellent or praiseworthy…think about such things.”
So what worries you? And how can you let go of worry and grab onto trust?
Good reminder, dear Carol. I like the reminder most about when we worry, we are not trusting Christ. If I remember THAT principle, it helps me to refocus and get back on the trusting track. Blessings to you dear writer friend!
Thank you dear Jeannie. I too need to remember that when I worry I am not trusting. And we’re commanded NOT to worry, but to trust – and to thank God. I see you doing this consistently. Love you my friend.
Carol, interesting that you and I wrote on the same topic today–worry. I appreciate all that you shared. Actually, I am not a worrier, though I was at one time. I’ve been through so much during the last few decades that I decided to just keep turning over my concerns to God and he takes care of them.
I too thought that was interesting, Karen. I’ve never seen you as a worrier – love hearing that you were able to decide to keep turning your concerns over to God. Wise woman! Praying for your times in southern Cal.
Thank you, Carol. I am having a wonderful time with my family.
So funny you wrote on this, Carol! A couple nights ago I dreamed I was caught in a huge flood. I had twin infant girls in my care. The water swept us along, towards the sea. I remember thinking, “Yeah, yeah, another disaster–whatever. I’m so sick of panicking; I guess I’ll just ride this one out.” We were carried off to a side street, where we washed up at a park. I let the babies play on the swings. Maybe I’m improving, lol!
Columba, that’s hilarious! Good for you for going with the flow!