Day 4: Sometimes Worry Makes Me Wonder
Taken in part from Chapter 9
© 2011 by Renee Swope with Revell Publishing. All rights reserved.
Food for Thought: She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40 NIV)
When life gets overwhelming, do you ever start to wonder if God notices and cares about everything you have going on—like how hard you’re trying to take care of your family, pay the bills, find time for Bible study, your marriage and the ministry He’s called you to while working two jobs, caring for your aging parents, commuting to work, and carpooling your kids?
Several years ago, I was having a hard time balancing my life, and there were days when I wondered if God noticed and cared about all I was doing. I didn’t understand why He wasn’t taking better care of the details in my days so things would run more smoothly. Sometimes I felt like He might be expecting too much of me.
Looking back now, I can see that I was expecting too much of myself. The truth is, I was doing a lot of good things, but not all of them were God’s things for me during that season of my life. I had ended up in a place where I was serving God more than I was seeking God. Finally, I came to a point where I was exhausted and ready to resign from just about everything.
Eventually I ran out of fuel. I didn’t have enough energy to handle all of my roles, relationships, and responsibilities. I also ran out of faith, which made me start doubting my ability to manage my life, to hear God clearly, and to do all I assumed He wanted me to do.
My life was out of balance and so was my heart. I had taken on too many commitments, and I worried about all of them all of the time. I knew I should trust God more, but I was secretly afraid that if I stopped worrying about everything and everybody He would too. And all that worry started making me weary.
One day, while reading my Bible, I noticed how Martha’s worries were making her weary, and making her wonder if Jesus cared that her sister left her in the kitchen all by herself to do all that work. Listen to how Jesus responded: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV)
How do we choose what is better? How do we find confident peace and assurance that God notices and cares? First Peter 5:7 tells us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (NLT).
The apostle Paul tells us how: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank 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. (Phil. 4:6–7 NLT)
It sounds so doable, but why is it so hard? I think it’s because Satan whispers the opposite. He says, “Don’t be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn’t listen.”
The enemy wants our concerns to consume us like acid in our hearts, eroding our confidence with worry and doubt! I say it’s time for us to stop listening to him and start listening to and living in God’s promises instead. When our concerns become consuming, let’s commit to:
Stop worrying—Press the pause button on our consuming concerns.
Start praying—Talk to God about all we’re doing and ask Him if there’s anything we need to cut back so we have time to seek Him as much as we serve Him and others.
Keep thanking God—Thank God for what He’s done in the past and will do in the future. This helps us remember how good He is at being God.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts. When concerns consume me, remind me that You are with me, holding me by my right hand and guiding me with Your counsel. I want to seek You as much as I serve You and others. Help me balance my life and give my burdens to You, knowing with confidence that You care about me and are good at taking care of me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. (See Psalm 139:23; 73:23–26)
Doubt Diet Tip: Lose the weight of worry by “giving all your worries and cares to the Lord because He cares for you!” Write your concerns on an index card and give them to Jesus. I have a tabletop cross by my bedside where I lay my “concerns card.” Maybe you could get one too. Then, when you start worrying, go back and write your worries on your card, and commit once again to cast your cares upon the Lord. Also, write a promise on a card and carry it with you today. Here’s a link to More Peace-Giving Promises
Let’s Talk: What is one concern you want to lay down at the foot of the Cross today? I’d love for us to pray for each other and bear one another’s burdens.
Please return to my website (if you’re reading this via email), then scroll to the bottom of today’s post and click on “Share Your Thoughts” so you can let us know how to pray for you. If you’re not comfortable sharing details, just say “Pray for me please.”
Laying it down: My biggest concern is my mom. While I was flying home from speaking all weekend in IL, my husband was rushing mom to the hospital. She’s in ICU with large blood clots in both lungs. One is very close to the main artery that leads to her heart. We’re praying and trusting God is not surprised by any of this – although we were. Today’s devotion had already been written – just for me (wink!). And my closing message on Saturday was about Jesus calling us to come to Him – when we’re weary and burdened with worry – so that we can find rest for our souls (Matt 11:38-39), rest in His presence, rest in His plans and rest in His promises. He’s gone ahead of me and left gifts of peace and reminders of His promises along my path. I pray you see His hand in the timing of today’s devotion and His heart for you, too.
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I am asking for prayers please,I am about to get married in a month time now,but me and my fiancee we fighting a lot about small things and happens to be the big issues.As we speak right now we don;t talk to each,we sleep in a seperate bed.Please pray for me.
Renee, thanks for the opportunity to share my worries with you. My husband lost his job six years ago, up till now he has been working form our home to earn some money. But now there is now money left and we have to move out of the house because we can’t afford to stay here any longer. We have lost everything and I don’t know what to do. My youngest son is writting his Grade 12 exam and his brother is studing at university. My salary is not enough to pay for everything. My husband has depression and I am afraid that he dont have the couracy to look for work,
Please pray with me that my husband will get better, let God into his life and will get a new job and please pray for my two sons – it is such a difficult time for them. Thank you Renee, for your devotions, it realy means a lots to me. May God bless you and the work you are doing. I am praying with you for your mother and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am lifting her up in my prayers.
My husband has been without a job for 6 months now and would like prayer that God would provide a job for him.
Pray for me please I have a problem in my life which seems as if I have reached the dead end, am in the wilderness sometimes fear strikes me and I feel God Might not rescue me . I have been praying about this for a long time I am like Daniel in the lion’s den. Please pray for me for God to make a way for me and to rescue me.
Gertie knew what you are going through and I will pray that God will answer your prayer and open doors that would not close again. Blessings for you.
dear Renee
i am praying for your mum’s toatal recovery.
my worries are about my teenage son.
he is disbedient….which rubs onto my 6 year old daughter.
this all stems out from my husbands disability to discipline them.
i have decided to give them up to God and let Him deal with them,but being human it tends to always hit back at me.
please pray for mu ability to let go and let God have His way.
Been there Rhoda. Hold on to Gods promises Rhoda, He is with your son and He’ll take care of what he needs, keep giving him to his “Daddy”.
Reading all of these requests has humbled me. I have lifted each one of you in prayer.
Renee, I have also prayed for your mother and for your family.
As for me, I am worried about running out of steam (as Renee described). I know that I am trying to do too much and I don’t know what/where to cut. Please pray that I will receive insight from God.
Thank you Renee – this has been a wonderful series. I am so grateful. Have already said prayers for your Mom and daughter – my thoughts are with them and you too. I appreciate your praying for my healing. Love in Christ, Grace
Please pray for me . Thank you for having a Christian circle of friends just like this.
God Bless you all.
My prayer need is financial. I homeschool and my husband was cut back $2/hr. on his check and now they are also cutting hours. We are struggling to make ends meet. We need a miracle! The reason I’m homeschooling is that we felt called to go on the mission field. We are also struggling to raise our support there as well. We need guidance! Thanks for your prayers.
I’m praying for you and your Mom. I also ask prayers for my parents. My mother is experiencing Alzheimer’s and being a caregiver is really wearing on my 83 yr. old Dad. I would also like to ask for prayers for my daughter on an issue and how I should respond.
I’m praying for you and your family, Twila. My parents’ situation is almost identical; my mom (81) has Parkinson’s and my dad (82) is her full time caregiver and it’s taking its toll on him. We do all we can but must continue to work full time also. I am so thankful that God knows every detail of our lives and cares for us. Please know that you are not alone and this too shall be used for good.
Thank you Angie. I’ll be praying for your family as well.
I love reading the 7 day doubt diet, please pray for me.
How wonderful it is that we can pray for each other! There is so much in our world to drag us down, sometimes even with hand reached high toward God, it doesn’t feel like I can reach high enough. I am thankful that no matter what, God can reach me.
I have some very personal issues that need prayer, and so for me I am just going to ask you to please pray for me. There are others in my family who so desperately need to be lifted up to God. My older brother recently suffered a second stroke, two months after the first stoke. The second stroke left him nearly blind and placed his mentality level for many things, as that of a seven year old. His wife is incredible, she is doing everything including working a full time job. My youngest son was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis, he has been in and out of the hospital for nearly two years, things are getting worse. He will be having a biopsy to determine if he has developed cancer. My youngest brother was diagnosed with stomach cancer less than a week ago. It is inoperable and radiation treatment won’t work. The cancer has gone into his liver and lymphatic system. Please help me pray for these men. Thank you so much. God is good.
Praying for you and your mom. Please pray with me for my son TJ, THANK YOU!!
Today’s message hit so close to home for me.
I worry and stress about everything, even the little unimportant things. My husband has been unemployed for some time and my biggest worries are with finances and the possibility of having to take my almost 5 yr old out of Pre-K and not being able to pay all our bills. Lord I lay my burdens at your feet.
Please pray for Luke
Renee, I am sorry to hear about your mom. I am praying for full healing for her and praying for peace and rest for you and all of your family as well. I am also thanking God for this opportunity for you to lean ever-closer into Him.
My concern that I would like to lay down at the foot of the cross today is for the salvation of several of my family members: my 81 year old mother who has Parkinson’s; my 82 year old father who has heart problems; and for my 18 year old son. I so long for each of them to know Jesus it’s almost palpable.
Praying for your mom. I’m having panic attacks & having trouble getting out of the house.
I know how you feel, Karoletha. Mine have been caused by having two car wrecks in the last year. I don’t want to go anywhere and I don’t have the confidence to think that I can work without having panic attacks. I will pray for you. Please pray for me. You’re not alone.
Sherrie and Karoletha, I share in your fears. I too had a horrible car accident and because of injuries along with the fear, worry and major panic attacks… I don’t leave the house. I exist and don’t live life. This is not the way God wants us to be. Father God, I pray for Sherrie and Karoletha, that they will dive into your words and find peace and comfort. Fill them with a peace that can only come from you and as the song goes, “I’m standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior, standing, standing I’m standing on the promises of God.” Let them stand on your promises Father and believe that they can do ALL things through You that strengthens them. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. There is also a verse that I hold onto that might help you…Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Stand on HIS promises, he will not fail you! {Hugs}
I feel for the several people who have just written “Please pray for me.” I too fell like my worries are somewhat more than I can express, and I don’t quite know where to begin even laying one down. Plus, I confess that I have been struggling for so long that change, even for the better, is scary. I need courage to move forward even with my fear. I am weary.
Thank you for the Seven Day Doubt-Diet it has truly been an awakening for me. It has been a great inspiration and very encouraging to my mind, heart and soul. I want to request prayers for blessings on a house I am trying to purchase with no money down. I am praying God works it out where I can become a homeowner and afford to live within my means.
I pray for your mother’s strength and healing and for you. Please continue to pray for me.
God’s blessings,
Thank you Renee! You were right about the timing of today’s post. I needed it this very day! Please pray for me.
Renee, Your devotion today really hit home..thank you so much! All the comments really make this study more profound, I have felt so isolated and alone in my worries. Nice to know i’m not alone..and I don’t HAVE to worry. (Now just to learn to do that.) I will be praying for your Mother and your family. I will be praying for all of us commenting here tonight…Please pray for me.