When life gets overwhelming, do you ever feel like you might suffocate under everything you need to do?
Does worry ever weave it’s way into your heart and consume your thoughts with concern?
If I’m not careful, worry can wear me out and make me want to quit… just about everything!
A few years ago, I took my husband’s advice to write down everything on my plate so I could ask God what needed to be cut back. I listed my commitments and concerns, deadlines and dates on my calendar with every appointment, event, conference call and meeting I could think of for the next six months.
And I prayed: Please God, show me where I need to make changes.
I assumed the Holy Spirit would suggest adjustments in my schedule, but that’s not what happened. God didn’t tell me to make cut backs at work or in ministry. He didn’t show me our family had too many activities. He didn’t challenge me to take a sabbatical, although I was hoping He would.
Jesus showed me it was worry — not my workload — that was making me weary.
You see, without realizing it I was spending as much time thinking and worrying about concerns, commitments, circumstances and deadlines as I did working on them.
It was not only how I spent my time, but how I spent my thoughts that left me depleted.
But it wasn’t until I brought it all to God, and wrote it all out, that I recognized what was happening. I wonder if that’s why Peter tells us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
The apostle Paul tells us the same thing, and shows us how:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and A him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)
But it’s not easy. Honestly, our natural tendency is to take control. And we have an enemy who suggests we do. But we don’t have to listen to the lies. Instead we can listen to God’s promises, and take these 3 steps to get God’s peace:
CLICK HERE to Download “3 Steps to Get God’s Peace”
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As others have said I to want to thank you for your message today. I grew up in a house full of worriers. That’s what I’ve know all my life. I’m so glad for your suggestions on how to stop worrying and reverse things. You have a very wise husband that directed you in the right way to go. The steps seem easy enough but my problem is carrying through. I start something completely gun ho and then my enthusiasm dies off. I pray that I can start this and God will help me carry through. There’s my biggest worry already. I thank God for all He has done for me. I wouldn’t be here without Him. Keep up the wonderful messages you share with us.
I have been struggling with this very things lately and this was a wonderful reminder. Not only that but I was also able to share this with my husband. He has been feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders and this devotion came at the perfect time.
Thanks Renee. Great ideas based on God’s Word!
Blessings!
Thank You Renee for your words of encouragement. My Husband and I moved to a new state 7 months ago and I am still in need of a job and bills are piling up! But I know using your “3 Steps to God’s Peace” is going to be a big help to my Husband and I. THANK YOU for all that you do!
Perfect devotional for my heavy heart today. Due to circumstances I can’t openly share, but prayer support is definitely appreciated.
My husband says if I don’t have something to worry about I worry about that. I have a black belt in worrying. I am blessed by your blog. Thank you.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” What a much needed reminder — this helped me realize how much time in my life has been stolen by worrying and not breathing and giving it to God in prayer.
The more time that I spend with GOD and have a closer relationship, the more I am aware of his presence and the many blessings that he provides. The peace that HE brings me is so amazing and I could not imagine a life without HIM. I just hope that everyone would just know HIM and experience what he has to offer.
My husband says if I don’t have something to worry about then I worry about that. I have a ‘black belt’ in worrying. I know God will take care of everything if I will just let go and let God. It’s much more difficult in practice. Your blog is such a blessing to me. Thank you.
God really has some “neat” thoughts, words, feelings, and I think God keeps me moving on positively in my life. I have always been told that “When you worry–pray!” Well, finally I have tried it. (But I was really spectacular saying the words to friends, neighbors, and country men.) Then it became a necessity that I listen to myself and extend my prayers to help #1 first which is me, and then go on to what I was worrying about. I can say that for me….slowing down, breathing so I relax some, maybe holding my cat…that my prayers instead of worrying are simple, understanding, and to my BEST FRIEND God! I believe God is gentle, helpful, caring, and He gives a ” positive hoot” for me and what I am worrying about. Thanks Renee!
Wow! I surely needed this today. I think that worry is my biggest downfall. I am always anxious and tend to worry so much about things in life. In the past I have been through a lot and at times continue to go though some very difficult things. This verse about worry is one that I try to keep close to me. Sadly, I let worry win most of the time. I feel empty when I am praying and even like I am doing it wrong. I know in my heart that is not the case, but sometimes I let these thoughts overtake. Thank you for this today and I am putting this printable in my desk area to remind me!
Worrying runs in my family. That along with the fear to make a decision….about anything. My grandmother and my mother never taught me to be positive or to pray about problems even though they were Christians and attended church regularly. I have been trying hard to break that cycle over the past year by staying in the Bible, only listening to encouraging Christian Contemporary music, and prayer. My daughter is a senior in high school, is about to start college, and unfortunately worries and stresses out more than I ever did. I am counseling her the best I can, sharing scripture and devotions with her (I sent her Renee’s devotion about worrying) and telling her to give everything to God. I am very thankful that the Lord put it on my heart to learn how to trust him in all circumstances so I can help her while she is young, and hopefully break this cycle of worrying.
I love these reminders. I would love to win these to keep me in check.
These are exactly things that i have to do in my life. I am always stuck in my own worries and forget those 3 steps. I think the first step is especially important for me because my thinking has been set on automatic speed dial on the need to find a quick solution for my problems. Stopping is truly necessary. I need to stop being like a three years old running around in circle and not being able to listen to what God has to say to me.
It’s been a life battle vs BUSYNESS! What a great thought that worry was making my to-do list unmanageable! Thanks for your insightful post!
I so enjoyed your thoughts on When Concern Consumes Me as I have been feeling weary I thought from my workload. After reading your devotional, I realized just how much worry can be exhausting. So thankful that we have a listening Lord who cares about our concerns and already has an answer!
I am going to start my list today. Life does get overwhelming with all my thoughts and decisions daily that are on my shoulders. I honestly have that same feeling after I have went on vacation. Its wonderful to know that I am not alone. That God is with me and ready to lift my burdens.
It is very hard for me to stop worrying. This is an area I really struggle with. Even the slightest every day things give me anxiety. I needed this reminder, especially today. I will keep praying!
I have recently transitioned to a new job, which is outside of our home. My initial thoughts were that this was God’s leading. But, as I began the hard work of learning the job, I began to doubt. Now, as I am getting more comfortable in my new environment, I begin to see it is overwhelmingly worry that causes my doubt. Thank you for your words; they show what I have felt. I am where He wants me in the path He has created so He will be glorified. Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you for this lovely post! This devotional was a blessing to this busy mama!!