Worry is the facade of taking action when prayer really is. ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
I don’t consider myself a worrier. But I know that term is relative.
There is a long and wide spectrum to that cumbersome thing called worry. In fact, as I type, I realize how I’ve prided myself on my ability to “not worry.” Yet the truth is I do partake of its poison during bits and pieces of my day. And yesterday was one of those days.
“God helps those who helps themselves.” That is what a close friend always said to me.
The first time those words spilled from her mouth I wondered the Scripture reference. But there is none. This quote is not from the Bible. It’s from the one who takes truth and twists it to his pleasure and for his design. For the clear record, this quote is not biblical because it makes it appear we have to “do” something to please God. But nothing pleases God more than waiting on His answer.
Sometimes stepping out into my calling feels more like walking a tightrope. Jumping out of an airplane. Diving into the ocean. I have to hold my breath, shut my eyes, and jump. It’s not always very pretty. But for me, if God nudges me I will be paralyzed by worry if I wait too long. I’m the person that worries on the other side, after I’m falling through the air.
What does God say? He says, For God loved the world so much that He gave His favorite Son so whoever trusts Him will LIVE (My paraphrase of John 3:16).
[bctt tweet=”Worry can kill us. Just check your blood pressure. Trust gives life, but worry takes it.”]
I don’t normally walk outside before the sun lightens the horizon, but the other morning as I stumbled outside to breathe in the pre-dawn air, the ebony sky, freckled with shiny pieces of light, welcomed me into something much bigger than me. I took a deep breath and greeted those same stars who met Mary Magdalene on her way to the tomb the day she frantically searched for a dead body and found a resurrected Jesus, or rather He found her. As I looked into the heavens, I was reminded of the constant of our miraculous God who promises we will always find Him when we’re looking (Jeremiah 29:11-14).
He can be trusted. I’m giving my worries to Him.
What helps you turn your worry into trust?
Finding Purpose while trusting,
andy
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Excerpts from this article were first posted in “What Helps You Not Worry?”
