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!!
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I have been so weary lately that all I have wanted to lay on the couch and do absolutely nothing. I can’t seem to function. I have gotten to the point now of being physically sick because of it and I have to remember to call out to God instead of worrying about what is going on. When i was reading your post you said you think so much about what is going on. I do the same thing. I think so much I just can’t sleep, I can’t get things out of my head. I try to make things better, try to think of how I could change things but I have to remember God will help me through it. I can’t rely on myself to get through it. Thank you so much for the post. Means alot.
Deanna
I have struggled with worry all my life! Over the years God has taught me more about laying it at the feet of Jesus but I still backslide into this problem at times. Thanks for your words to remind us how much he cares for us and how we can handle the worry we cannot! I love the idea of “pressing into” our God. I had never heard this phrase but in the last two weeks I have heard it twice. It has really gotten my attention!
Thank you so much for those words of encouragement. It is so hard to remember to do those things you spoke about in the midst of all the rush and worry of everyday life. I have a hard time trusting God 100% because of so many abusive things that have happen to me in my life but I am learning from you and the book that He can be trusted a 100%. Writing things down will be helpful for me, that is a wonderful idea. Thanks for all that you do and wisdom and discernment. You are amazing. Thanks again. Kim
Thank you so much for this posting. As others have said, it’s exactly what I needed today. It’s comforting to know that other Christian women are struggling with this also. I have always felt that I was the only one (struggling) and somehow less of a Christian for all my worrying.
I am consumed by worry. I am a single mom. I have health issues (caused mainly by stress and worry) and I am stuck in a cycle of horrible, unhelpful thinking. I am allowing myself to be consumed by worry. I worry about my daughter and her situation at her dad’s house, I worry that my own home-based business is not enough-its not, and I am agonizing over going back to work, what job, what hours etc, I worry how the mortgage, bills, and groceries will be paid for and how I can get myself turned around to focus on Jesus. I’ve been a Christian for 3+ years and now, not at first, now after 3 years I’m in this season where I have low faith and constant worry. I’m thankful to God for Godly women who are not giving up on me and are helping me. I’m struggling with making the decision every moment of the day to trust God-I’m being downright stubborn. Its really hard in the cloud of depression. Thank you for your daily devotional and especially this one today. I feel like I’m getting closer to getting my mind right but I still have so far to go. I’d really like to get your book on worry, Renee. Thanks again for your ministry!
This is so good! My family and I are going thru something awful right now and the worrying thoughts can become overwhelming. You’ve helped me to refocus on trusting God and exercising my faith. Thank you!
Renee,
thanks for sharing this this morning. I don’t know how much time I waste thinking about all the things on my to do list and trying to figure out how I am going to juggle all of it. I am really trying to get better at planning my days, and then focusing on one task at a time, and not allowing myself to let the other stuff creep in. I knew it was a time waster, but never really thought of it as worry, but I guess it is.
When I read your paragraph where you described the workings of our mind, it reminded me of a blogpost I wrote recently. It is not on worry, but thought it might give you a laugh today. Thanks for all you do to minister to others! http://springingup.net/mind-commotion/
Kate
You have struck a chord in my life today, I have been feeling as if I just had to much to do and not enough time to do it. I have become a perfectionist as I grow older, (OCD) is more like it. I want to be sure all is done absolutely the best and I know God wants us to do the best in all we do and say. I struggle with saying no but lately I wonder if I am saying no to the wrong things. Thank you so much for following God.
Yes! It is very hard sometimes to “turn off’ my brain! There are times I just have to sit quietly, open His words and let that wonderful peace that passes all understanding rule over my heart and mind. It works everytime….
As someone who has suffered severe depression in my life, I have [almost…but not QUITE there] learned that worry is a waste of time. I’ve learned to keep my schedule LIGHT and not overcommit myself.l I’ve learned to access my life and not make rash committments. Even learned how to say “NO” to people who want to invade my space with cumbersome tasks. And even if I do commit, if I realize that I’m slipping, I’m not afraid to tell a person that I spoke too presumptuously and will not be able to fulfill the committment or task, I don’t feel guilty at all! Worry causes stress & both are killing our world and it’s a distraction from Satan. Fellow Christians we have to realize that! It causes one’s mind to deviate from GOD and HIS presence & peace. Remember Martha, Mary & Jesus!! My mother had told me several times before she died.’the life you save will be your own’ Please be mindful that if you are sick and/or hospitalized because of stress and worry, you are no good to yourself or others. Also, remember to do things to energize and reinvigorate the mind by having some ‘ME’ at least a few times throughout the week. You need & deserve it!
I have been living today’s devotion. Worrying about things is not the answer. If you are right with God, he will make them right for you. I have just been praying about a job that I feel God has called me to do. He has answered my prayers. The job is overwhelming at this time, but I believe I am here for a reason. I am right with God so I know he too will make this right for me. Thank you for all you do.
After my daughter’s ski accident in March, seems all I do is worry about her recovery, whether I could have prevented the accident, if she will ever regain full use of her hands, and if she will ever be able to play volleyball again-she was being pursued by several colleges already at the age of 14. I read so many of your devotions and find strength and encouragement. It’s like you have written them just for me! Thanks for your ministry!
Thank you. God is using you to help so many. I have been weary with worry for my daughter her some time. I keep reminding myself that her situation is not something I can change to control….but the next hour I’m letting my mind whirl in all sorts of directions. My husband even said last night ‘you think these things all the time? No wonder your driving yourself crazy.’. And he’s right I do drive myself crazy with thoughts and worry.
Dear heavenly father take this worry from me and hold my daughter close to you for you are the only one that can change and heal situations. I praise your heavenly name!
Reading your post felt like reading a something out of my own life. It was like a light bulb went off in my head and I realized it wasn’t my crazy life I needed to change, but how I handle it. I have 3 kids ranging for 1-8, own my own business from home and I am going back to college this summer, oh yeah and I sell wreaths on Etsy as well. 😉 Some days I feel like my list is never-ending and I am SO weary. At that time, I need to turn to him and find peace. Thank you for your words and for opening up what was right in front of my face, yet somehow I missed.
Renee, I am a chronic worrier. Two things you mentioned really hit me. First, I am guilty of letting others expectations of me have more influence than praying for God’s guidance in directing my commitments. Also you mentioned serving vs seeking. In my mind if I just stayed busy trying to make sure all the things are getting done then I wouldn’t worry as much. What a trap! All that “doing” left no time or energy for seeking God, his guidance, shelter, or peace. Your tips are so helpful. Prayerfulness and thanksgiving! I will set my heart on these things not the expectations of others. God’s reward way better than anything this world has to offer.
Since March I have found myself having to remind myself multiple times a day that God is on control, that He loves me and cares for all our needs. Using your idea of placing my worries on a card and giving them to Pur Father while thanking him for all He has done and is doing will give me a physical was to remind myself: I know the plans I have for you, plan to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans for hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Thank you
Thank you for the encouraging devotion today!
I needed to hear just that! I juggle a busy schedule with 3 great kids, but
the busy part is usually in my head more than
on the calendar (and the calendar is full enough)!
Thank you for your obedience to Christ to write such
a great devotion for people who need it like me!
Now, if I only had a stress relief pack to go with it……lol
Wow! I really needed to hear this message! Thank you for your practical advice. I gave always struggled with giving my burdens to God, but I love this idea of writing them down & placing them at the foot of the cross… I’ll definitely be doing that! Have a blessed day!
Thank you! This could not have came at a more perfect time!
Good morning!
To be set free from worry and fear is the greatest gift from God…it allows us to be free to live, love and serve Him and be led by His Spirit!
For many years until just recently, my worries and fears consumed me. My heart actually hurt and it felt as though an elephant was sitting on my chest…then a sermon by a very young pastor went deep into my heart when he said that worry is a sin….it means I are not trusting God…something clicked inside my brain. I had been praying for God to deliver me from this fear and worry for years! His answer came and the words “Trust Me!” kept running through my head…
Day by day, when the worries start to return or I feel overwhelmed by something that is going on in my life, I say out loud, “I trust YOU!”…..and I feel this peace come over me.
Thank you, Renee for being real and sharing your faith walk with all of us!