Swine flu, a crapped-out economy, uncertain legislation, decline of the dollar…Sheesh, a girl can kinda get down these days (in a very non-Soul Train way). Especially a girl who is living in a postpartum, sleep deprived, hormonal haze. (That’d be me.)
So, today I was having a little chat with God about it. In the shower. Which is where God and I have most of our chats. I finally cut to the chase and told God that I am sick of worrying. Sick of fretting about all of the what-ifs and why-me’s. Sick of walking around like Charlie Brown, wondering if someone’s gonna yank away my football right when I gear up to kick.
And you know what God was kind enough to point out? That worry is a choice, and I can opt out. “Be anxious about NOTHING,” He says.
“How?” I say, thinking of swiney germs and my newborn. Thinking of plummeting investments. Thinking of health care legislation that makes my skin crawl.
“Here’s how,” He says. And then He gives me three ways to do so.
- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) Okay, so I haven’t been much into rejoicing these days. And I’m really not sure why because I have a LOT to rejoice over, starting with the aforementioned newborn.
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) I also have to admit that while I’ve been working on my Ph.D. in Worry and Stress, I’m barely passing when it comes to asking God for help. And let’s not even talk about the “with thanksgiving” part…
- “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.” (Phil 4:8) Yes, there are real concerns and devastation and frustration in the world. And it’s not like we can go around oblivious to it all. But we can choose to balance our thoughts with all of the admirable and noble things out there, too. So, for every worry I ponder, I’m going to try to think of something grand and lovely, too.
Starting now. I’m off to enjoy a grand and lovely evening with my hubby.
Amen! When ever negative thoughts or feelings arise due to stress, I “change the channel” to a joyful one of praise and thanksgiving!
AMEN! I needed this today. Heart’s been racing with stress and anxiety for the last two days.
Hey Elizabeth…it’s been a while (since high school, I think). First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on your endeavor here. Second of all, I’d like to thank you for your points above. I think we all need little reminders that we are not alone. This was a great reminder to me, that worry gets me nowhere except into a full blown tizzy. God is a soothing partner in life and he is the one that decides what is best for all of us. Like you said, I need to turn my worries over to Him and He will decide what is best for me. Thanks for reminding me! I needed that!
Bravo!
Wonderful Conclusion!
There is so much negative energy pulling on our positive energy and our loved ones’ positive energy, that it is imperative that we look to God, who is a greater power source than ourselves, for help and guidance. With God’s help and power, we can consciously give focus to the positive aspects of life. The infusion of positive synergy into ourselves, our homes, our families, our friends, our relationships, will convert what once seemed negative to a connection spark to encourage closer relationships. It will surely overcome the negative thoughts.
Just think, the scriptures already have confirmed, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7 ). It also instructs us to “Not to be overcome by evil, rather, overcome evil with good”(Rom 12:21). That evil or negative thinking can be squashed with thankful, good, positive, deliberate thoughts! If we really think about it, we can depend on the fact, no matter how out of control the situations may seem , God is always in control of it all…and boy am I glad!
Paula Y. Martin
RCI Certified Relationship Coach/Registered Mediator
Martin Maximum Mediation, LLC
http://WWW.MartinMaximumMediation.Com
Well said, Elizabeth! These days will pass, and be only a fond memory to talk about with your grown children when they complain of no sleep and flu germs.
I’ll be praying for you!
It is just as easy to believe for the good as it is for the bad.
Elizabeth,
Well said! Thanks for sharing.