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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I so needed to read this today. I have been feeling overwhelmed with many things including how to be a good mother to my 3 kids, with our work/ministry, keeping up with our home, and church obligations, as well as some upcoming classes that I’m taking. Thank you for sharing ways to let go of our concerns to God.
Thank you for these words of wisdom and pointing us back to the truth when we are wrapped up in worry. I need constant reminders to focus my eyes on our wonderful Father rather than what I feel is going on around me. Nothing surprises Him!
Thank you for sharing this encouragement at just the right moment. I too have experienced the same type of melt down. I only wish I have known of the advice you shared in today’s message and had given all my worries to God. God is the ultimate provider of peace!
I needed this reminder to “Let it go” Thank you!
Wow! How timely this message was. It goes hand in hand, in my opinion with the Walk in Faith OBS. I needed this for today and everyday!
Like many of the other folk whovhavecleft comments, I felt you were writing this just for me. I need constant reminders to worry less and pray more!! Let go and let God!!
I did not realize how much I worry…about what to cook..what to wear…I know to give God larger worries but the small ones take their toll. Thank you for your love of our Lord,
Thanks! I needed this today! Blessings…
My mother was a constant worrier. I read this verse to her many times. Even though I vowed never to let worry affect me like it did her I find myself worrying about things too. Thanks for giving me this verse today.
I have learned that, when something keeps coming up in my life, God is trying to help me “get it.” My worry has been brought to my attention in multiple ways over the last several weeks, just as these verses in Phillippians have. I love these steps- God’s timing is perfect!
Thank you for this encouragement. I want to give God all my concerns and be living in His peace!
Wow! This blog hit me square between the eyes! It was if you got in my head! Timely message I needed at just the right time. I have had worry/stress on me for way to long. As a veteran church staff person for over three decades, I have felt as if at times I am carrying the whole church on my shoulders. If I don’t get this done or contact this person or prepare this lesson….I fail someone. Someone who needs God. Who needs reassurance. Who needs a word from me. Thank you
, I have printed the words to hang next to my computer to remind me of Who is in charge and Who I should give my worries to and who loves me!
Blessings!
Most timely message… I have a great friend who picks up more than her share of worries. It’s taking a toll on her physicality, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually… Consuming her! I can gently share your thoughts and scriptures to help her let go of the exhausting sin of worry and allow God to be in control… And the peace He brings when one allows Him to be our strength and refuge. (She could use a spa day basket in her ‘be still & know God’ time!). May He continue to bless you and your work !
WOW you were talking right to me today. I worry about everything . . . . my plate is full of worry that I’m overwhelmed. I need a vacation from my worry. I have printed 3 Steps to Get God’s Peace and it’s going on my wall at work, on the refrigerator and on my bathroom mirror. Right now I am worrying about my daughter and son-in-law moving all the way across country to California . . . I’m worrying about my son and his finances, I’m worrying about my ex-husband finding a place to live, I’m worrying about doing good at my job, I’m worrying about having to make cupcakes for our luncheon at work this coming Monday . . . I could go on and on. I am in the meltdown stage but I have no support but GOD. Thank you Renee for inspiring me.
Thank you for the reminder that our thoughts can be consuming and depleting us of energy that could be used for more productive things! I needed this today!
Thank you so much. I spent many hours (again) last night worrying. I need God’s direction but instead of trusting that HE will show me what I need to do…I worry. Thank you for these words. I will take your advice
Thank you for this well-timed discussion. I have downloaded, saved and printed 3 Steps to Get God’s Peace and will carry it with me everywhere. Like so many of the other women, I am at a place in my life in which I find myself doubting my abilities to be successful in so many areas. In my heart, I know that I am a great mom and wife, but my thoughts don’t always agree. We are trying to move back home to our home state and that move all depends on my ability to get a job. I actually find myself worrying about how much I worry.
While I know that I should not worry about that which I cannot change, following those words is not easy. Thank you again for your blog and for the printable resource to remind me how much worrying wearies us all.
Have a blessed and beautiful day!
Great word to start the day! My worry is more about relationships than a to-do list, but worry is worry, I guess. Thanks for the three steps to peace. I’m going to post that somewhere to be reminded of God’s love and care.
Renee,
Thank you and thank God! This message was so on time for me today. As a single mom, work, 4 kids, ministry, my aging mother… I often feel like I am drowning. This is a wonderful remember to stop and go to God, not just with the big things, but with EVERYTHING. I certainly cannot do all this alone.
Thank you for today’s devotion. It reminded me to be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication, I can sum it my requests to God. Sometimes life seems overwhelming but it is good to know that we serve a God who cares.