"Don't worry about it." This advice has been around forever, and it has never worked.
Worry is, most of all a lack of peace. I should know I've been a worrywart all of my life.
Fortunately years of experience and a deepening desire to follow Jesus, have brought me a better understanding of God's promise of 1 Peter 5:7; to cast all my care's on Him, for He cares for me.
Then John comes along and Jesus is saying this; John 16:33 says; These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world, you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Just as we are promised His peace from the words he has told us, we are also promised tribulation.
It occurs to me that one secret to becoming a peaceful non-worrywart is to give yourself permission to focus on other things, during a time of tribulation, without feeling guilty. That wart of worry is stealing the peace of God's promise by dominating your mind.
Sometimes when there is a grave problem, I feel guilty if I allow myself to focus on other things. Somehow, it seems disrespectful to that particular circumstance if I try to put it in a compartment for another day. In my mind, all can be right in my world except that one thing and I owe that thing my concentration until it is resolved. This concept may also apply to grief. When I am afraid to give myself permission to let peace back in after a loved one has passed, I am blocking God's offered gift of peace. We should give ourselves permission to move on in the grieving process, and not let our mind get stalled without permission from our heart. Remember it's a process, you'll ultimately give it plenty of time, but don't give it all your time. After all death toa Christian is a miracle. To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord. The miracle is salvation through Christ, not that the person stay here for our benefit.
Max Lucado said; Worry is an option, not an assignment. God can lead you into a worry-free world. Be quick to pray. Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind. Do your part and God will do his. He will guard your heart with his peace…a peace that passes understanding. –from Come Thirsty
A wart is something that is a nuisance and needs to be removed from your body. Let God remove your worrywart, with the peace and comfort of His word. Let your mind and heart agree to give permission to take a break. It's hard to pray and worry, try it. "Let not your hearts be troubled."
With Love Mike
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