"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be gory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen"
Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians 3:20
The above verse comes to my mind so much these days. God has done immeasurably more than I have asked or could imagine by blessing us with triplets. The other day as I was driving just listening to worship music I began to cry. This was a good cry, tears of joy. I just became so overwhelmed by all God has done for me and for our babies. God gave Erik and I triplets....WOW!
I've been thinking lately, will triplets be triple the fun and triple the worry? The Lord has been teaching me a lot about worry and anxiety. In an earlier post on my blog I talked about how I worry each time before a doctors visit. Well I have to say that has gotten better with God's help. This week I was reading about worry and anxiety in the book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". God taught me so much this week and I wanted to share it.
The book notes how we are an anxious people, a nation of worriers. Worry is really a waste of time. It's actually bad for us to worry, and something God does not want for us. "Who of us by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27. Worry and anxiety is mentioned 25 times in the New Testament as something we should avoid. Our worries take away from our relationship with the Lord, it fixes our eyes on our situation rather than on our Savior. Worrying can keep us from leading the lives God intends us to live. Instead of relying on facts we let worry stack up in our minds until the domino effect sets in until it's one fear after another. Instead of looking for the best, worrying assumes the worst. I am so guilty of this happening. I let fear get the best of me and that's when the lies come in my head and it is so hard to stop those thoughts.
Pastor Gary E. Gilley is quoted as saying, "Worry is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God. It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we cannot trust Him. A legitimate concern presses us closer to the heart of God and causes us to lean and trust on Him all the more." We have to remember that we can leave our worry behind for God, not because there is nothing to ever be concerned about, but because we have a Savior who can handle them a lot better than we can. God is calling us to a great exchange to trade the "many things" that make us anxious, and he gives us the "one thing" that calms our hearts. Himself, the Prince of Peace. Instead of focusing on our problems, let us train our minds to focus on the promises of God.
Let us remember who we serve, Jehovah Jireh - the God who provides, Jehovah-Rapha - the God who heals, El Shaddai - an almighty God.
The book notes how we are an anxious people, a nation of worriers. Worry is really a waste of time. It's actually bad for us to worry, and something God does not want for us. "Who of us by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27. Worry and anxiety is mentioned 25 times in the New Testament as something we should avoid. Our worries take away from our relationship with the Lord, it fixes our eyes on our situation rather than on our Savior. Worrying can keep us from leading the lives God intends us to live. Instead of relying on facts we let worry stack up in our minds until the domino effect sets in until it's one fear after another. Instead of looking for the best, worrying assumes the worst. I am so guilty of this happening. I let fear get the best of me and that's when the lies come in my head and it is so hard to stop those thoughts.
Pastor Gary E. Gilley is quoted as saying, "Worry is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God. It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we cannot trust Him. A legitimate concern presses us closer to the heart of God and causes us to lean and trust on Him all the more." We have to remember that we can leave our worry behind for God, not because there is nothing to ever be concerned about, but because we have a Savior who can handle them a lot better than we can. God is calling us to a great exchange to trade the "many things" that make us anxious, and he gives us the "one thing" that calms our hearts. Himself, the Prince of Peace. Instead of focusing on our problems, let us train our minds to focus on the promises of God.
Let us remember who we serve, Jehovah Jireh - the God who provides, Jehovah-Rapha - the God who heals, El Shaddai - an almighty God.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Philippians 4:6-7
As there will always be times of concern in our lives, it is comforting to know we can take everything to the Lord.
Love to you all.
Jamie
Love to you all.
Jamie
My sweet Jamie,
ReplyDeleteAs usual your post brought tears to my eyes! Oh, how the Lord is being exalted in your writings...I am so very proud of you! I love you!
Ineeded to read this more than you can know. Thank you:)
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