A sweet little somebody crawled in bed with me the past two nights. She’s been coughing and running a fever. Seems like someone gets better and another one gets sick or injured. If I’m not careful, worry will weazle it’s way into my mind and I’ll start worry about what might go wrong next.
What if Aster gets pneumonia, like Josh did? What if she can’t go to preschool tomorrow and I can’t get those devotions edited for work? What if Andrew’s collar bone doesn’t start healing?
I’m sure you have a lot of what ifs of your own. I wish we could sit in a coffee shop and talk about and pray about things that are weighing you down or worries that are making you weary.
I’d tell you about the year I let my problems pile up and how all that pressure almost took me down. We could laugh about how I accidentally took my dogs medicine.
There are lessons I learned that I want to tell you about because they changed me – and rearranged me.
I learned how to process my worries with Jesus in a way I never had before. The load didn’t get smaller (hardly ever does) but the same but the weight got lighter because I learned how to let God carry it for me.
Since we can’t meet in a coffee shop, I want to share some things in a short video message I filmed weeks ago. I’ve been saving to share with you this week. In it, I’ll share three steps you can take to help you stop your concerns from consuming you and a powerful “visual” you can use to remind you to cast your cares upon the Lord. {Just click the arrow below to watch it.}
Message Notes: You can download this video’s “Message Notes” in a notes in a PDFor in a in a Word doc here. I encourage you to watch it once and just let God speak to your heart. Then if you want to, watch it again and follow along with the message notes which include parts of the message, verses and blanks to fill in. 
***
Lord, help us turn our burdens over to You, and
{rest in knowing} You will take care of us. Psalm 55:22, GW
***
Let’s Connect: I’d love to hear your thoughts and one thing you want to apply after hearing today’s video message.
Also, if you’re in my online study please share some of your answers to the questions from the end of Chapter 9. Click “share your thoughts” right below this post and do just that. 🙂 Let’s turn our burdens over to God and carry them to Him for one another, too, by praying for the person who leaves a comment before ours.
激安 靴 スニーカー
I have completed this Bible study and have found it to be most beneficial – I would suggest that you keep this Bible study going continuously because it is one that you can go back and go thru time and time again as you enter different seasons of your life. Thank you for sharing so much of your human-ness with us as it made it easier to relate. I commend you on such an exceptional book and study and thank you for taking the time out of your life to help so many in their daily walk and journey.
I saw this message as a “share” on my FB page and while I was not able to copy/paste it (lovely background photo), I thought it a valuable message in itself so am sharing it this way: “Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anway.” (attributed to Mary C. Crowley). I’ve affixed an index card of this message on my fridgie — thinking of using it as a motto!!! T-Shirt motto material!!
Hi, obviously I am a male posting on your womens site, sorry for that. I want to share my wifes(Christine) WORRIES of late though as she is so overwhelmed and I so desperatley want to help but not sure how. Recently she changed careers as she is a RN. The week between transition her yearly mammogram results came back possitive as suspicious and a biopsy followed. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with Breast cancer and all that goes along with it. Her worries are (and mine ) is she has less than a month on her new job ,no sick leave or vacation time . I see this in her face that she is so worried and wearing down quick. Radiation treatments loom in the future and will only make her more tired. I just want to help her not to worry and have her know GOD will take care of her. What else could I do to ease her of the worries she faces. Thank you and God bless.
Thanks , Michael in Platte City, Mo.
Love her and pray with her and for her…God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint…Isaiah 40:29-31… Don’t be afraid or allow pride to prevent you from asking for assistance from your church family and even though your wife is at a new job perhaps they will have a vacation day bank or something of the sort when the time comes that your wife will need days off…God Bless you and your beloved wife…
I too have at times become consumed with worry. It is not a very fun place to be and Satan loves it when we are there because he can have control over our lives by hanging that or those problems over our head. God showed me what I actually looked like one time when I was going through a difficult time and I was totally begin consumed with worry. I went to bed praying and every time I woke up during the night I would begin to pray. I was still feeling so anxious and worried that I was not sleeping well. During the night, God showed me a little picture of myself being all tied up, hands and feet, totally bound up. He showed me I was being totally useless because I was not trusting Him to work it all out. Instead, I was trying to work it all out by helping God fix it, and by getting in the way of His work. When I awoke the next morning, I began to change my attitude towards my little problem by telling my problem how big my God is and all He can do instead of listening to how big my problem was. It took a little repeating but my attitude began to change and I began to totally trust God to work it out how He needed it to work out so He could work in and through me. You know, even today, when I think of that difficult time I know God has it under control and He is doing great things in several different lives. God is so good!
It is amazing how much pressure we women put on ourselves…anxiety, worry, thoughts of not being good enough and that’s not God! We are commanded to be in Christ with a heart at peace and to think of those things that are true…right…pure…lovely…admirable…Philippians 4:8
In Chapter 9, Renee asks what can we do to have “date time” with God…. Yes we are tired and exhausted but when we make time for Him it’s Amazing how alive, full, and rested we can feel! Once we stick to a routine our time that we seek God becomes not just a thing we do but who we are… Waking up 20 minutes earlier every morning to read His word and pray is now EVERY morning not just when I have time…before I feed my body with anything I feed my mind with His word…. Just like any knew routine it’s hard at first and Satan will lie and tell you that it’s impossible you are too tired or you deserve to sleep in Bit nothing is impossible through Cheist Jesus and so the 30 day challenge is great place to stop being Martha and be more like Mary!
ok, I finally finished reading chapter 9 and answering all the questions at the end of the chapter. I do feel overwhelmed. I am a homeschool mom who has been having some health issues and depression. I haven’t been doing well at teaching and feel I’ve been a bad teacher to my kids and they are getting behind. I worry cause I don’t feel like taking them on field trips like I should. I worry about everything, including the finances which are always tight! My husband want’s me to homeschool and does extra jobs to help out, but I hardly ever see him and sometimes I wish we didn’t have to worry so much about money! I don’t feel like I am doing more that what God has called me to do. I really feel called to homeschool. I just can’t seem to find the energy to do all that is required of a housewife/homeschool mom. I do teach a Sunday School class, but it doesn’t take up a lot of time, but this may be changing anyway as we feel like God may be moving us to another church. I was asked to teach it cause my son is that age, so I do it so he can have a class,That is really the only extra thing I do. I just feel like I can’t get it all together. My four year old is very active and strong-willed so I have a hard time teaching the other two sometimes for him getting into stuff! Please anyone who will, pray that I will stop worrying and trust God that it will all work out. Pray for healing of this depression especially, so I can be a better mom/teacher. Our ultimate goal was to go to the mission field. That is why we felt led to homeschool in the first place, but again the support(money) hasn’t come in for us to go yet. I feel so frustrated at times and wonder what is my purpose for this life as nothing seems to be going the way we thought it was and what God’s will for us is.
Thanks for listening and praying,
This video came at the perfect time! I like how Renee shows us to *Stop worrying-by pressing the pause button on our consuming concerns. * Start praying- by talking to God instead of ourselves. Ask God if there’s anything we need to cut back so we can seek Him as much as we serve Him, and others. Finally lets *Keep thanking God– let’s pause and thank Him 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.
Question 5: What will you do for the next thirty days to make sure you have a date Determine A Time Every day to be with Jesus? I am starting to make it a priority everyday to make this date with Jesus. I may stumble at times, but I am going to continue to strive to spending time with Jesus on a daily basis. It is funny how I used to dread going to dialysis and now I am doing this Bible study and before I know it my time is finished! Once this class ends I still have my other class from church and I already see God steering me to take another online class from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I am praying which one He wants me in next.
Is there someone you can ask to help or hold you accountable to spending time with God, so you can listen more closely for His plans, rest in His promises and experience His peace? It’s funny how God works! In my other class I had to not only get a sponsor and/or an accountability partner(s) for the very same reason! Not only do I have a sponsor, but also in my group (we have 4 groups in our study) we have accountability partners. I know all will help me, just as I will help them.
Question 6 Which of God’s promises in this chapter will you cling to so that you don’t lose your footing and slip into a pit of discouragement? I like all the promises. However, three spoke to me the most. * “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust'” (Psalm 91: 1-2). * “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5). * “You make known to me the path of life, You will fill me with joy in Your presence” (Psalm 16:11).
Even though at times I feel abandoned with all that has happened lately, I can see that God has been with me every step of the way. He knows His plans for me and I count it all with joy.
Question 7 How can you transition from going to God with a list to going to Him with a listening heart? By learning to discern between good things and God’s things. Many times I am like Martha and want to serve Jesus instead of seek Jesus. I see how I need to stop and listen to God. He wants me to seek Him in all I do. At the end of the chapter Renee said “He wants you to sit with Him so He can give you His perspective and fill your heart with confidence in His presence each day.” What are some practical things that can help you relax and listen to God in the midst of your busy life? I find listening to music relaxes me. Also reading and journaling during dialysis helps me to relax. Before I know it my time is up. At home making the different crosses relaxes me. I feel God a lot lately. I feel that because I am coming to Him more than I have before, He is showing me that He is there with me in all things. He was just waiting on me to see that and to rely on Him. Funny how He just waits for us to come to Him!
I really feel good! I am going to continue seeking Him instead of just serving Him!
Also I wanted to let all of you know (sorry this is so long) 1. Smithville Times reporter Denis McGinnis (I think that is how his last name is spelled) is doing another article on me. He told me to contact the Austin Statesman and the news stations in Austin in doing an article on me so that we can get the word out that I need a kidney transplant more than ever now. Austin Statesman is going to have his article in their newspaper on March 25th and so far KVUE (ABC) has responded to my story and will get back with me very soon. They forwarded it to one of their reporters. I know God has a plan in all of this and I am so excited! 2. We go to Houston the first week of April to get on their transplant list. They are paying for our hotel and travel expenses.
I see God working in my life more than ever now! He is so good!
Dear Lord, grant Kimberly a kidney! In Jesus’ name I ask.
What is one thing I’d want to apply after hearing today’s video message? Writing down my concerns and placing them under a cross by my bed side. I think this is an awesome idea.
Thanks Renee.
I am enjoying doing this study. I especially appreciate Renee’s honest, transparent way of writing about her life. Many things she has experienced I have also. Regarding worry, what is helping me to slowly overcome worry, which I have struggled with all of my life, is prayer. Specifically, I pray “Lord, please bind my worry, fear, anxiety and loose within me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control”. I basically ask God to bind my sins & struggles and loose within me character traits I need (like the fruit of the spirit – Galatians 5:22-23). I certainly am worrying less, and am more at peace, praise God, through the power of daily prayer!
I thank God for you today, Renee. Worry has been a constant struggle for me and I am so grateful for sincere, honest reminders, like yours, that GOD SAYS cast your cares on me. And he says that all he wants from us is our faith. I know our feelings don’t always match the truth we know in our minds and hearts. Sometimes that can take awhile…but I sure am grateful for all the moments when my feelings catch up to what I know to be true. Thank God for his light blanket of peace and his reminder to let go, leave the “kitchen,” and be more like Mary… I pray His peace on all of you guys today. Thank you so much for sharing your true hearts on these comment pages, and reminding me that I’m normal….
This was a wonderful video clarifing that we are not meant to be worriers but rather warriors in prayer. Trying to please God and people is stressful and brings an exhaustion that depletes our faith and trust in God’s ways. I am grateful that His Word has the supply of life that will sustain me when worrying tries to worm its way into my spirit. It is essential to believe the promises of God and your reference to
I Peter 5:7 was very relevant as a way to enjoy God’s presence. The suggestion of writing down our worries on a card and then placing at the cross of Jesus is a great way to be visually released from the worry, casting it at the feet of our Lord. Thank you for such a great lesson and wonderful exercise for my spirit.
I am currently going through Hep C treatment, and into my 4th week of 12. I was blessed with a new job Some days the worry has cracked my amour, and with the help of this bible study pulling me closer to him and soaking in his design for my life, its making progress out of my wreckage. This is my last semester of college, I also have two amazing boys still home and under my wing! I cried out “What if I can not do this anymore” Timed perfectly now God uses this opportunity to give me time and with the constant prayer, sharing my heart with my study partner has allowed me to slow down and really FEEL the Love of God for me! I have to be slowed down, and the longer follow Jesus and his words…the more vivid his strength becomes reflected in the cracks of my life.
Thank You
In Christ Love
Janine
This week, like all weeks, the Lord has spoken to me. I have been challenged by the story of Mary and Martha. I too, like Renee and many other women, have the personality of Martha, where I am very task oriented. I can picture myself being just as guilty as Martha buzzing around the kitchen serving and worrying about making everything perfect for my guest, Jesus, instead of just sitting at His precious feet listening and spending time with Him. This week, I tried to put into practice the pause on worrying and praying instead of worrying about my concerns and thanking him. And WOW, it sure did make a difference. The peace the Lord promises when we cast all our cares on him is so real and so rewarding. The joy I felt the day I gave all my worries to the Lord was the best day this week because His peace was so real in my life and His joy resonated in my heart. I’m a nurse and I worked the day I tried to consciously put into practice what I had learned this week and gave all my worries to him and I believe my patient’s saw that difference in me, because even when it got stressful, I took it step by step through prayer and my joy had to have been contagious. 🙂 (no pun intended..lol) So the result for letting our BIG God have our fears and worry is peace and joy…and who doesn’t want that? “With thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6b-7
Thanks for sharing your story Christy!
As I said earlier in the week, this chapter really spoke to me. Here are my answers to some of the questions at the end of this chapter:
2. Concerns do consume me. I have had to take sick days from work due to panic attacks and simple exhaustion, and I plan way too much. I have recently come to admit that I take on far too many tasks. The idea of “serving instead of seeking” resonates deeply with me.
3. I do catch myself wondering if he notices. I am still not sure as to what He is calling me to do, so guilt and doubt are constant companions. If I had to be honest, I feel that everything I did from 16-30 was not what He wanted. Of course He knew I would, but it wasn’t His plan for me.
4. If He wanted to sit and talk with me, I would of course make time; however, my mind would be drifting to what else needs to be done. I have a proactive personality, and as such, always need to be doing something and I feel deep guilt when I am not.
I have had some things to happen to me, one after another for three years, I take care of my mom, and her business, I see about sisters that are in another other states, I go with my brother to counseling, addiction, I spent one year with my younger sister injury from blunt head truma hospital, My daughter going thur depression, my husband beening depress as well, we going to court once a month since 2009, and going into son’s case hes no longer with us on earth. I have had a difficult six years and I was the glue for my whole family, and my family as well. Well two weeks ago I just couldn’t handle any more I sat and cried and stay in my room for a week, doctor giving me speeches about health issures, mom call about her insurance problems, one sister needs to move back to Illinois, from winconsin, another relationship issures, and I Just had a melt down. I prayed, and prayed,and still felt that God wasn’t listening to me. I felt no one was listening or cared about what i was going thru my Job listen and take care of every else. You the strong one they would say, Dad trusted you to be here for us. that was the last straw i just can’t take any moe of it and told God, I can not do this any more. Being a Warror for so many years I felt like I let God down, and every one that depended on me to stand in the Gap for them.I am still trying to pray,but I just can’t seem to like before. Renee your video help me this evening a lot I taken on two much worry myself God didn’t give that to me, I assume it on my own. I know that I can let go of some of these things that has weight me down all these years. And get the Joy of the Lord back into my life. Bless for the video. God bless you. vc.
Victoria, I just want you to know that I just prayed for you. You are a strong woman, and the Lord will lift you up in the palm of His hands and give you the strength to get through each day. He loves you so much, my sister.
#4 Yes I would have been able to walk away fromchores. I am doing that right now. Beside I don’t much like cleaning anymore–no one in my family seems to appriciate what I do—-so if Jesus came it would give me a great reason to walk away.
I would have to ask Jesus what my many worries are, because I don’t feel that I am a worrier. He would say, but you are my child……you worry about:
the future; finances; your marriage; your teen daughter; and at times seeing
Elizabeth again.
I would say, you are correct I do worry about those things. Can you help me not to.
Jesus would say, yes I can, but first you need to put your trust in Me and surrender all things to my power and love.
I would say, okay I will try
Jesus would say, ok my beloved one.
#6 Psalm 25:4-5 this is even a new one for me
Psalm 91:1-2 this is an old one I have kept in mind
Psalm 138:7-8 these are also new to me and I like them muchly
Thank you for the new passages Renee you are awesome
I love your idea about writing down our worries on a concern card and giving them to Jesus!! This morning I was concern about something at work and I was MEMORIZING THE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK SO I ASKED GOD TO BE A SHEILD AGAINST THOSE THOUGHTS AND LET ME REST IN HIS ARMS.
It really helped me make it through the rest of the day!!
This chapter is full of so many powerful truths I want to remember ~ choosing God things instead of good things, bossing my heart around instead of others when I’m stressed and worried, asking God about his thoughts and HIS heart concerning my situation and LISTENING for HIS answers. The study questions at the end of each chapter are really helping me to apply the truths I’m learning within the chapters.
thank you for these words, sometimes we don’t even realize tht we re worrying,and it comes out in other forms, anger, depression, stress overload and exhaustion. I am doing another little study as well and th words today were from Nahum 1:3″ the way of the Lord is in the whirlwind and the storm” we need to seek Him during these times for His strength, guidande and wisdom He will keep us strong if we put or sin aside and ask Him to reveal His will for us. May God bless all women in this study and keep us hungry for Him.
Hey ladies,
I am looking for a download from last week that was a quiz about How Can God Use Me? Does anybody know where I can find that so I can print it out?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Laura, here is a link to that post:http://reneeswope.com/2012/03/how-can-god-use-me/
and here is a link to a spiritual gifts quiz that might be what you were looking for:
http://reneeswope.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Spiritual-Gifts-Test.pdf
Renee,
You really do read all of the comments…thank you sooo much!!!
I am glad that you are doing this study; I really need this now.
Laura
Somehow I missed the spiritual gifts quiz, this may help me. Thanks Renee for posting it again, and thanks to Laura for asking about it!!
Blessings,
Hi Renee
this Chapter is speaking Volumes to me. On Sunday one our church Pastors spoke to me about not worrying and your message here just sealed that word. i am one person who would find it hard to trust God completely, somehow i would try to help him in solving my problems. this has led me to a place where i constantly worry about everything, not pray, have pity parties and be so mad at God for “abandoning me”. as we are going through this book, i am being pruned by God, the things that have been hindering my spiritual growth are being pruned. i am learning to STOP WORRYING, START PRAYING and Keep thanking God for everything.
thanking you so much Renne for such a wonderful platform.
Hugs and kisses…
Sithembile