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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

{Week 9} Is Worry Making You Weary?


I have a P31 devotion today and want to say hello and “welcome” if you found your way here through it! I’m so glad you stopped by!
I wish we could sit in a coffee shop and chat today. 

I’d love to talk with you about things that are weighing you down or worries that are making you weary. They always seem to lighten when shared with a friend.

I’d tell you about the year I let my problems pile up and how all that pressure almost took me down. It’s all in chapter 9 of my book including the story about  how I accidentally took my dogs medicine one morning. 

In my devotion, I shared how God has been changing me and rearranging me. I also promised to share three steps to overcome worry and a practical way to physically give God your concerns! Since we can’t chat in a coffee shop today, I decided to share my heart in a short video post.

Message Notes: You can download my “Video Message Notes” in a PDF here or in a Word doc here.  They include the points of my message, verses and blanks to fill in. {If you’d like to watch more FREE Confident Heart videos based on my book, click here.}

Let’s Connect & A Giveaway: I’d love to hear your thoughts and one thing you want to apply after reading today’s devotion and hearing the video message. Click “share your thoughts” right below this post and do just that. 🙂

Your comment enters you in today’s “Come to Me” stress-relief gift pack giveaway which ncludes a Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Mint candle, God-iva Dark Chocolate and an Chamomile Lavender scented Anti-Stress Comfort Wrap that can be refrigerated or microwaved depending on your preference – my favorite home spa treatment!!


For More Ways to Live Worry-free 

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Comments

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  11. Hi Renee,

    I’m a 29 year old worrier! and so I am so sure that you have blessed so many through your blog today. My message though is in response to one of your chapters in ‘A Confident Heart’. God told me today as I was reading about how your dad used to buy you gifts when you were good, (which is what my dad used to do), if I mis-behaved after my dad had bought me something, my dad would say ‘after me buying that for you this is the way you behave?’ Or ‘I’m going to take that … back then, you ungrateful …’ So I have always felt guilty and ashamed when good things come my way, not feeling that they are deserved. This has helped me realise why I have pushed so many good things away. I know that God doesn’t give us what we deserve, but out of the overflow of His goodness and love.

    Also God revealed to me that I have always believed that who I am, comes from what I can do. I realised today that that’s not true, but who I am is a child of the king, I don’t have to be successful in the eyes of the world for me to remain his child, I just have to be His. God spoke to me through your testimony. Thank you for allowing him to use you. I hope message in response to your book, encourages others.

  12. Dear Renee,

    Thank you for sharing as this has found me at a time when too much worry has made me so weary that I am not confident of my ability to function as a human being. Your idea of writing your worries on a card and giving it to God has made me realize that this is something I can do and must do, not just because I do not know what else to do but because I do believe in my heart that God loves me and wants me to be at peace.
    This is God’s way of helping me to hear him when I have thought that he was not listening to my prays.
    Thank you again
    Jenny

  13. Renee

    Sometimes, I hold on to the P31 devotional emails because I feel like I don’t have time to digest them. However, when I admit that I have cut God from my daily schedule for the sake of my to do list, I find myself longing for something. Crazy thing is I still have trouble recognizing that I am spiritually empty because I have not spent time with the Lord. I just opened this devotional, and it was perfect timing! I was in a panic this morning, almost unable to move because of the weight of all my responsibilities. I have felt the prayers of friends and family who know what I am facing; and God led me to this devotional. He never ceases to amaze me. I am thankful he pursues me tirelessly! And thank you for sharing your own testimony and insight to encourage me and help me renew my mind!

    Amber

  14. Its 2:30 am and I can’t sleep. I decided to empty out my personal e-mail…searching for some comfort and peace and I came across your post this many days later…thank you. Chaos and maham seem to be surrounding me but I will prevail with God. This post was what I needed to be able to lay my head down and try to sleep. Thank you.

    Pamela

  15. I’m a few days behind in reading this devotional as well, but I believe it was meant for me this morning! Thank you for encouraging me today through God’s word.

  16. Thank you for this devotional! I am a few days behind on reading, but I believe God intended for me to read it today. I am a single foster mom, and I am considering adopting a 4 yr old that I have been fostering. His case and life have been a mess so far and he comes with a lot of emotional baggage. The last few weeks I have Definately been weary in worry! Your devotional spoke so much to me today, and I realized I need to make some changes in myself and let God take control of the situation! I truly appreciate the Proverbs31 ministry and all the work you ladies put into it! It is definately a blessing to me!!

  17. Hi there Renee! So my stepmom sent this to me, probably because she knows that I am like, the super supreme queen of worry. I read it and totally loved point #3…the index card thing under the table cross. So neat and definitely something I have to try. I am SO on the go all the time these days and never have a moment to myself it seems. Sometimes the stress level that I feel is just SUPER huge and I end up worrying! Worrying about a new roof, worrying about my mom’s cancer, worrying about the kids, worrying about money. Worry-worry-worry! Maybe if I say it enough, it will slowly leave me 🙂 Ha-ha, anyways, haven’t ever been to your blog but will bookmark it and try to make a point to read your posts when I get a chance. Thanks Renee!

  18. Thank you so much for your devotion on worry. I was a little behind on my readings and as I was trying to catch up, I found this devotional. You always share things that put sunshine and joy into my day and I thank you for sharing these words of encouragement with me. I too tend to worry, but I have finally come to a point that I have decided that I will turn all my worries over to the Lord, which is what I should have been doing all along. Once again, thank you so much. You are such an inspiration.

  20. I needed today’s message! Thank you for your video. It really made me think about what I can do when I worry.

  21. I was going thru a ton of e-mails from the last 10 days from being on vacation in the mountains! How
    ironic I too was begging my husband for us “not” to go back home because of all the stress .Your devotion was the last e-mail I read,and the tears flowed.I worry entirely to much and it was
    very encouraging to read your words and words of so many other christian women across the country
    who do the same thing.
    bless you all for all you are thru all your struggles each day..God hears you and me.Keep looking
    up and seeing the light even in the darkest moments.

  22. I try to not let worry take over me … but boy it takes sheer willpower when you are working 3 part-time jobs, finishing off coursework for a certification exam, & barely keeping up with the day-to-day expenses.

    I always just have to remind myself of Philippians 4:13 which says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” and Philippians 4:19 which says: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory which is in Christ Jesus.”

  23. Thanks so much for this chapter Renee. In a week, I’m moving back to the US after living abroad for four years. I’m getting married in a month and am starting graduate school at the end of August. I’ve found myself worrying about everything. From the details of our wedding to fitting my belongings into two suitcases to spending quality time with my fiancé, I’ve found myself burdened down.

    I read this chapter today and cried. I wrote my worries down on one side of a paper and went through and put God’s promises on the other side. It felt so good to hear God say, “Turn your burdens over to the Lord and He will care for you.” In Isaiah I found “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will God rejoice over you.” Such sweet reminders during this transition.

    Even though I have a ton of packing to do today, I felt God nudging me to just spend a few hours with him and rest. It was so worth it.

    Thanks for your encouragement.

  24. I’m late reading this but I believe that God’s timing is always perfect. Tonight I have more things to do than I have time; ministry commitments, personal commitments, business commitments……. what I really want to do is go home and crawl up on my sofa and read my book.

  25. Wow, thanks for the awesome video. I have had worries all my life specifically from my dad who was a worrier at heart and put the worry on me. I never trusted God whole heartily and I want to do that right now. I am a Christian and been one all my life, but I do let those worries get the best of me on a daily basis. I will try some of the ideas you gave and start giving my worries over to God and let him handle them and take care of them for me. Thanks again for the video.

  26. do not fret (R) —it leads only to evil. Fret reminds me of worry. Ps37 speaks so much on how we can trust the the Lord. Thank you so much for this study.
    Billie

  27. Renee,

    Just got a chance to watch the video today. All I can say is Thank You! I sincerely hope, no pray that you can feel all the love and gratitude that I send with those two words.

    daria

  28. Thank you for all the great tips you give and for the time you devote to us.. your readers.. 🙂 We appreciate you and all you do !

  29. Hi Renee,

    My email said there is a brand new video devotional but when I check your blog it is the same as the one you posted on Wednesday, June 20. I am scared something might be wrong with my computer and the latest message is not showing up for some reason. In my email I cannot see the images or the video. I can only read the encouraging blog message and beautiful prayer.

    Blessings,

    Anna

  30. Thank you for these practical tips to learn how to lean into God in our everyday life. When worries come up, I’ll press “pause” and start talking to God!

  31. Thank you SO much for your devotions. I am finding myself in a state of worry often, and your message was a perfect reminder that I need to redirect my thinking. GOD has always provided for me and my family, I simply need to trust him. I can’t wait to study for your advice more!

  33. I would appreciate prayer support for an important and potentially difficult conversation with my employer tomorrow. Please pray for my husband too who is looking for work, that he would sense God’s guidance. Finally, please pray for a confident heart throughout all this. I remain grateful for this study and your prayers for us Renee. –Grace

  34. After reading these posts I feel less alone. I too struggle with worry and anxiety. Just knowing that others feel this way and are also struggling with giving their worries to God, helps me. I think I need to read this chapter again… or maybe a few times. Just need to continue praying and thanking God for his blessings. Thank you everyone for sharing.

  35. Thank you Renee, for the email prayer. I was feeling like I was falling behind w/ my reading and wanting to keep up w/ the study. I had maintained my routine through chapt. 6 but found myself lagging for ch 7 & again w/ 8 which i still haven’t completed. I attended a Restoration Retreat June 1-3, and came home w/ such a new sense of freedom. Everything has had a new approach since. Chapter 8 was a recap of the teachings from the retreat and then some.

    Before the retreat I found time to do what I wanted, but I was shutting out my husband and not being truly involved or available. Now I find it difficult to juggle all that I want to get done and have found myself not able to keep up w/ the study. My pastor has taught on ” relationship is more important than rules ” this week, so I am trying to apply flexibility to my thinking and application for this study as well. The people in my life are more important than a self-imposed deadline to keep in a book study. However, this study was my purposed goal of maintaining me and not getting lost in the process. I pray for the balance and wisdom for application of time to achieve what is to be done and when.

    Thank you for the encouragement regardless of where we are in the book. I REALLY NEEDED it. Several events over the last couple of weeks have presented a growing financial need in various areas for us. I allowed discouragement to creep in and level out my high from the retreat and lost my focus. I know that GOD IS IN CONTROL and HE WILL PROVIDE IN HIS TIMING. I pray for peace while I wait on Him.

    Thank you Lord for the work You are doing in each one of our lives and for the leadership and obedience of Renee. Blessings upon her, her family, and Your ministry.

  36. Thank you so much Renee
    Right at this very moment as I was just feeling so terribly alone, sad, with a feeling of total dispair your email popped up egzactly as I needed it, thank You for your prayers and your book, thank you for reminding me that I am not alone and I am not lost, thank you for praying Gods word, thank you for reminding me to stay in that place❤ Psalm 91, SHELTERED, God Bless You ❤

  37. This post hits me right where I’ve been for several years. I have been blindsided by one serious life event after another. I don’t feel angry with God, but I feel extremely disappointed. I feel as if I’ve been left on my own to struggle and tread water. My head is going further down and he doesn’t seem to care. I’ve been barely hanging on to my faith, and what’s left is more like going through the motions than faith. I can’t keep going on like this. I don’t know how I could go from being so close to God during cancer treatment several years ago, to being at my lowest point spiritually. I just want someone to take care of me, and I feel as if he’s left me alone to struggle. I’m behind in the study, but I’ve been saving every e-mail and hope to catch up as soon as I can. I don’t know what made me look at this one today, but I’m going to jump ahead and read Chapter 9. I so need to sense his presence and his healing again. I’ve been struggling with chronic pain after the treatment and it’s all I can do to work my full time job. I don’t have the energy or motivation for much else. But, I’m afraid if I don’t get back on track soon, it will be too late.

  38. I read your devotion the day it came and have referred back to it mentally many times since. I’m going through a very stressful period at work, and while I didn’t think I was worrying, I am too weary to rest in Him. This reminder is needed so much, and I think I will share this as my devotional this week at my women’s group.

  39. I listed to a song called “Say Goodbye” by Mandisa today that I thought said a lot of the things that Renee’s book is. It really lifted me up, and I wanted to share the lyrics, and the song http://youtu.be/UG6Aa3DIg9Q. Or if you just want to read the lyrics here they are 🙂 I hope it will lift all of you up too! 🙂

    “Say Goodbye”

    To the voice to the liar in the mirror
    Sayin you can’t ever change
    To the guilt that’s sittin on your shoulder
    Always keepin you locked in chains
    To the past that you can’t undo
    To the pain that you’re walkin through
    To the small and the big mistakes
    This is what love wants to say

    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    To the one that used to be
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Everyday is a brand new mercy
    Hello
    Hello
    This is where it starts now
    Hello
    Hello
    Everything can turn around

    In a moment, here’s your moment
    You can say goodbye

    There is grace that you can’t imagine
    There is love that you can’t out run
    There is peace that you can hold onto
    When your world is comin undone
    You don’t have give into the fear
    Don’t have to have let your story stop here
    And when the hand tries to pull you back
    You don’t have to back, you don’t have to go back

    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    To the one that used to be
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Everyday is a brand new mercy
    Hello
    Hello
    This is where it starts now
    Hello
    Hello
    Everything can turn around

    In a moment, here’s your moment
    You can say goodbye

    To everything that breaks you down
    It doesn’t have to define you now
    Jesus came to take it all away

    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    To the one that used to be
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Everyday is a brand new mercy
    Hello
    Hello
    This is where it starts now
    Hello
    Hello
    Everything can turn around

    In a moment, here’s your moment
    You can say goodbye

    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    You’re not the one you used to be
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Everyday is a brand new mercy
    Hello
    Hello
    This is where it starts now
    Hello
    Hello
    Everything can turn around

    In a moment, here’s the moment
    Where you say goodbye

    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye
    Say goodbye

    • Thanks for sharing this song. I have never heard this songs before. The lyrics are beautiful. “Everyday is a brand new mercy hello hello This is where it starts now.” I love it. This is just what I needed to hear today. I love Mandisa and all her songs. I love her song “Good Morning” and “Stronger.” I shall check this song soon. Thank you very much.

      Blessings

      Anna

      • You’re welcome! I’m glad it could be of help to you Anna 🙂 It ministered to me just when I needed it as well, so I couldn’t help but share! 🙂 I love Mandisa too. Her songs are so encouraging!

  40. Thanks for this reminder sometimes I worry rather than trusting God and I have found it is because I have always been a people pleaser so now a recovering people pleaser at times it still rears it’s ugly head and the worry of what others think is still at times there . I must instead only be concerned with what God thinks of me!!! Thanks Renee

  41. Thanks so much for your encouraging words today. Just what I needed to hear today–stop worrying, about a job, about a place to live, about my husband on his hiking trip–and just stop worrying, start praying, and keep thanking God. So easy! I am going to get by 3×5 card and write down all my worries, and give them to God.

  42. worring has never changed anything…. but reminding each other that He has it all in control… and that if we leave it at the foot of the cross…then the stress will lessen, and peace will take its rightful place. It seems as the days and details get out of control or slowly become chaotic, that’s just the time when we need to remind ourselves to take a step back, a deep breath, and close our eyes , remembering His promises. Thank you so much for amazing devotionals which stir our hearts and spirit to think with Him.
    Blessed and inspired,
    Cathy B*****y pbprojecthope at yahoo dot com
    palmbreezeliving.blogspot.com

  43. So encouraged that many times I feel overwhelmed not by having too much to do but a mind that keeps trying to figure things out and worrying. Thank you for the encouragement!

  44. D.A.T.E Determine a Time Every Day!! I like this achronym Sp?)!!! It will be a great reminder to me to make a D.A.T.E w/the one who made me and can’t wait to spend time w/me. Take a few minutes to let that one sink it-makes me weak in the knees EVERY single time!! I’m so thankful that He cares about me!! PTL!! 🙂

  45. I am struggling with many things lately and even though I try not to worry, it is easier said than done. I have prayed about and made many changes in my life this past year and have felt that this was where God was leading me and wanting me to be….but I am still struggling. I try to be patient and know that things are God’s timing not mine, yet I still worry! Thank you for this study. It has helped me in so many ways and I pray for strength and wisdom and most of all patience.

  46. Thanks for showing so many truths through the video. Yes, satan does whisper to us to keep worrying and makes us feel that when we worry we are somehow doing something about the problem. I love how you say when worrying thoughts take precedence in our brains, we can press the “pause button on our consuming concerns, stop talking to ourselves and start talking to God.” I love all the practical solutions for stopping worry, —-thanking God, praying and asking God if there are things we are doing that are against God’s will for us and making a list of our cares and actually laying them at the cross. What awesome ideas. Thank you very very much

    Blessings
    Anna

  47. With so much over my head I feel like I am barely treading water…I am trying to keep God as my center, but it is sometimes a minute by minute choice…Looking for time to getting things back on track….