When my husband died leaving me alone to care for myself and our 4month old, I feared the unknown future. When I was sick this past summer, I was also tempted to worry. I fought my fears by doing what I suggested to you on Tuesday. I cried out to God and cast my cares on Him. That was step one. When we cry out to God, it brings a sense of stability to our lives where as worry brings chaos.
Did you know the word “worry” means to be pulled in different directions? I wonder if you’re being pulled in different directions due to your “shipwreck.” Or perhaps, like me, you are focused on the challenges that God has allowed you to face today. Then, we need step two: Yield control to God and trust Him for the future.
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus told us how to break free from the cycle of worry by finding peace and contentment in the plans and purposes of God.
“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
I hate to admit it, but I missed so much of the present with my son because I was consumed with tomorrow. Does someone need your attention today? Don’t give up today for the sake of tomorrow.
The truth is you and I don’t have a clue what tomorrow will bring, but God does. He’s already there. Take care of God’s opportunities for you today. Trust in His plans for all of your tomorrows. When we yield to God’s control and trust the future to Him, we’ve found the antidote for worry. Instead of being pulled in different directions, we are pulled in one—God’s direction.
When I’m drowning in doubt, I have tendency to seek out the shoulder of other worriers. If you do the same, break away. I began asking God to bring positive, faith-filled people into my life—people who would not sympathize with me but would encourage me to rise and shine.
Meditating on scripture instead of my feelings also helped me resist the temptation to worry. Here are some of my favorites. I hope they strengthen and encourage you today and into the New Year:
“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s Salvation. He will provide for you today.” (EX 14:13)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom should I be afraid of?” (Ps 27:1)
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Heb 10:23)
Micca Campbell-Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care
DANNY & JAN says
Micca, how thankful I am for you and that God led me to your blog! It's as though you know EXACTLY what's going on in my life. ARISE FROM THE WRECKAGE (12/29/09) and today's devotion has spoken directly to me. A wave of worry, fear and anxiety about the future has overtaken me in the past month or so. I know God is with me and I know that nothing productive can come from worry – Please pray for me to be able to release ALL my worries to Him and accept His peace and promises (Philippians 4).
Oh Dear says
thanks Micca!!!
Colleen says
To truly trust God means to surrender our will to His, and that includes our choice to worry. God is trying to teach me to trust entirely in Him. It is so hard to let go of the control that I feel has kept me going all this time, my control, when it really was God's hand all along. I have to learn to lean on God, and completely trust that He knows what is best for me.
Your devotions and blogs have been spot-on to where I am in my life. Thank you for helping me to be confident in letting go and letting God take the helm.
B His Girl says
Wisdom flows from your hands today Micca. I pray we will focus on Jesus and know tomorrow is truly in His hands. May 2010 be a year where God CONNECTS things He has said and shown to you. I pray the pieces come together and you see the bigger picture of where God is leading you. It's all good. Keep walking with Jesus like the picture of the Emmaus print. Many blessings, B