Just like pride, I have to believe that worry is another one of those sins we coddle, overlook, or even encourage in each other. Scripture shows us we should fear God, but not be fearful of what life will bring.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
The older we get, the more we worry. Particularly in motherhood, it seems to come naturally. Part of the problem is that we know too much. We've read, heard, and seen too many true stories and real life tragedies. We feel vulnerable. It's no longer merely morbid imagination "What if this happened?" but a realistic assessment that "this" (whatever it might be) actually could occur.
If you've ever read those Reader's Digest stories compiling all the teenage fatal car accidents, you understand what I am talking about. Where we used to be shocked to hear of childhood tragedies, we now marvel that any child survives to adulthood.
Some folks have the added disadvantage of coming from homes where fear and worry were ingrained from a young age. I am thankful that fear is not part of my make-up. However, I want to purposefully instill faith in my children, so they naturally trust in the faithfulness of God and remember His mighty acts on our behalf. If time permits, I want to blog this week about some faith exercises God has given me through the years.
Faith and fear. Give it some thought. Is it possible for both to co-exist in the Christian heart? I think faith is the remedy for fear. On the other hand, worry chases away faith. These uncertain times require more faith than ever. Being in God's Word daily is more necessary now than ever before, too.
Hang in there this week, whatever life is tossing you in the area of worrisome trials. God is still on His throne, and is able to deliver you! Be encouraged. Stand firm.
4 comments:
Jamie -
You once again (do you have a 'bug' planted at my house???) have sent a little message that I needed to hear.
I realize you're not just writing for me though....:)
Thanks friend!!
Good word! Wow you are so right we do need to purposefully instill faith in our children. I had not really ever considered that so thank you!
Oh man. I know I worry.
I think there is something to putting reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. For instance, God provided for Brittany and I to get a great house on April 1, 2005. I want it to be a practice in my family to remember God's faithfulness and provision, even during the hard times, and so have a party every April 1. God often had people set up reminders of His faithfulness. I think I should do that more myself.
~Luke
I never responded to this before, but Luke you bring up a point I've considered before. I wish I had kept a better journal of all God's doings in our life, so I could make up a calendar for my kids with a memory or answered prayer for each day or week of the year.
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