In my P31 devotion today, I talked about finding God’s peace in the midst of our worries. I love that verse in Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” The word weary is so close to the word worry. And if I’m honest with myself, worry makes me weary! It weighs me down and wears me out – mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
So what should we do with our worries? Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary from all our worries and burdens so He can give our minds a place to rest.
God showed me a tangible way to take my worries to Jesus through a conversation with my son. One morning I was getting ready when Andrew came to me and announced that he didn’t want to have ANY anxious thoughts that day – he didn’t want to worry about me being home when he got off the school bus, or about his teacher liking his science project, or about whether his dad would get in a car accident.
That morning as I listened, I sensed the enemy was using worry as a weapon to still, kill and destroy my child’s joy, hope and peace. Although I couldn’t take my child out of the battle, I could equip him for it! I wanted to give him the confidence he needed to fight courageously so I assured him that worry is kinda normal. I reasoned that it must be a normal part of life since God tells us not to so many times in the Bible.
But God also tells us what to do when we do worry. I shared 2 Corinthians 10:5 where Paul tells us to demolish all arguments and any pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, by taking every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Now I just needed to take that concept and put it in terms he could understand.
“Andrew, when you have a thought that makes you feel anxious, catch it like it’s a baseball.” I then cupped my hand like I was holding a ball and told him to look at it and ask, “Is this something Jesus would say to me?” If the answer is “no” – then throw that thought back into the outfield! Then we talked through some of his thoughts and fears:
Worry says: “Your mom isn’t going to be here when you get home.”
I asked him, “Would Jesus say that? Andrew replied, “No.”
Then it’s outta here!
Worry says: “Your teacher isn’t going to like your science project!”
Would Jesus say that? Again, “No.”
Get rid of that one, too.
When we finished talking through each worry, I shared Philippians 4:6-9 and we prayed – telling God Andrews concerns, asking Him to replace his worries with promises, and thanking God for what He’s done in the past and would do that day. After the Amen, Andrew looked at me, smiled so big and said, “Thanks Mom!” as though all his worries were gone.
God’s word really works. God knew we’d have lots of reasons for worry but he also knew that worry would be Satan’s weapon to distract and destroy the peace and joy that is rightly ours as children of God! Worry can ruin our day and our life, can’t it? That’s why Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled but to come to Him. He wants to replace our worries with His words. He says He’ll give our minds a place to rest and promises to keep us in perfect peace when our mind is steadfast (fixed in a direction, firmly established) on His truth because we trust in Him and not our troubles.
So, what thoughts are flying at you today? If you were to catch ’em and listen to what they’re saying – would they match what Jesus says? I would love to know what kinds of worries you’re dealing with so we can pray for each other. Mine are mostly about my kids and doing something hard that God’s called me to do. I’m learning that it’s not just about throwing our thoughts out, it’s about replacing our worries with God’s words. I”ll be back tomorrow to share more on that.
This week’s theme on worry is great timing since I’m giving away a copy of my friend Micca’s new book, “An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Greater than all My Fears“. For a chance to win, leave a comment under today’s post and for extra chance leave one on any of this week’s posts. Yesterday, I wrote about releasing my grip and not getting worried when God changes my plans. Tomorrow I’ll talk about using God’s Word as our weapon to demolish arguments and worries that set themselves up against the truth about Him! See you then.
PS. Be sure to include your email so I can contact you if you win.
Copyright 2009, Renee Swope – All rights reserved.
Hi Renee,
Thought it was worth a shot to try for Micca’s book.
Blessings,
Pearls
Hi Renee,
Thought it was worth a shot to try for Micca’s book.
Blessings,
Pearls
As one who has battled anxiety in the past, I need to be reminded of this wisdom often. Thank you for that today.
Cathy
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My biggest concern/worry right now is my husband’s shoulder. He has pain and swelling but will not go to the doctor. About three years ago he had the same problem with the other shoulder and it required surgery. He feels we cannot afford for him to take time off for surgery (his job offers no benefits like disability or even paid vacation). He’s not sleeping at night because of the pain. He drives a dump truck so I worry about him falling asleep at the wheel because of sleep deprivation. I’m trying to just leave it in God’s hands but it is tougher than I thought it would be!
Thank you Renee for reminding me I just have to trust God with it each moment of each day.
Mari Taylor
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That is such a great way to explain worry to a child. Your posts are so great.
Dear Friend,
Just wanted to let you know how much your blog has been ministering to me. 5 years ago we lost our 13 year old daughter in a car accident.
This would be her senior year and the other nite was parents nite at our home basketball game. Malorie was an awesome basketball player! As the parents and players names were called to go on to the court, I kept thinking that 1 player was missing, Malorie!
I really needed your reminder that I need to worry less and pray more. I know in my heart God has a plan for our family and a purpose, and that He is our hope and future!
Thanks again Renee, you are an “awesome blessing”,
natalie
Renee
What a great theme for the week.
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Thank you for this…I needed it! My husband and I were just talking about worry last night. It’s so hard not to sometimes. This blog really helped me today. May God continue to richly bless you.
Brandi Denton
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Thanks for the post, defintley a help today. I have been worried about little things that add up so quick and make my mind feel like its ready to burts at any minute. My worries make me snappy, and doubtful of my husband. I hate to feel this way.
I am glad I stumbled on your blog because I feel comfort knowing I am not the only one who worries and knowing that God provides comfort and truth through my worries.
Renee –
I love this devotion as it helps me in so many ways. Ways that I can help not only myself, but my children who seem to worry about the future and what others think of them and about them. I worry about things sometimes too, but I’m glad to learn that it must be natural seeing as how it is mentioned so many times in Bible.
I am so thankful that God has placed you in my life to help me gain more and more clairity. You are truly a blessing to me and I will forever be thankful.
Praying for you and P31 faithfully.
Much love and blessings,
Melissa
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Good morning friends!!! I am praying for each of you as I read through your comments again today and ask the Lord for words to encourage your hearts and truth to refute the voices of your troubles.
I promised I’d be back today to talk about using God’s Word as our weapon against our worries. And I will be. I just don’t want to write until He’s finalized what I sense He wants to say. There is so much.
For now, let’s do follow Paul’s pattern for peace. Let’s…
Pause to remember… He’s near. He’s right by my side
Pause to pray…tell Him all I am thinking about, worried about, confused about and all that I need from Him – His perspective and power.
Pause to thank Him ….remembering what He’s already done. Be cradles in the truth that He wants to carry my burdens and carry me through this day.
Pause to receive His promised peace… surrendering my need to understand and positioning my heart and mind to receive God’s peace that surpasses my understanding.
I’ll be back soon.
Thank you Renee, your devotion is a confirmation what God has be speaking to me. I also worry about my children, husband and bills, but I’m learning how to give it ALL to God. The steps you provide are so helpfull and couldn’t come at a better time.
Thanks
What a comforting way to look at worry… if these were things that Jesus would say/do… this REALLY blessed my heart this morning.
As women sometimes we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders… and worry about it… this will teach us to leave it at our Master’s feet and he will provide and comfort.
Thank you for sharing- AWESOME!
Angie
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Hi Renee
I love the way you give examples through children. It’s always easier to see things through the eyes of a child.
Blessings,
Shirley
Renee
What a great theme for the week.
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GOD has been using your devotions to show me how much I need a spring cleaning of my mind. My mind is filled with worries and cares of this world. Thanks for the reminder.
Julie
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Thank you for this great post! I have been worrying a lot lately! I just recently found out that I am pregnant and have been very worried that something will go wrong. I know that God is trustworthy and He has already blessed me with two healthy children. I don’t fully understand why I am so worried this time around. But I would appreciate your prayers! Thank you again for this great reminder!
Jessica
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GOD has been using your devotions to show me how much I need a spring cleaning of my mind. My mind is filled with worries and cares of this world. Thanks for the reminder.
Julie
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Dear Renee,
I just wanted to let you know that your devotional & blog was great I just read it & after reading it, I wish I would have read it sooner I really believe that if I had made time to read it this morning it would have prepared me for what I was facing today & I would have handled the situations different.
Again thank you so much,
Christine
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I love coming by and seeing all of these women God is using you to touch! You are a sweet and humble servant, Renee, and I pray that He pour out something extra special on you…just because!
And I LOVE how you illustrated taking every thought captive to your son! What an awesome illustration that not only he can hold onto, but that obviously so many others (including me) will hold onto!
Blessings!
K
Dear Renee
Your devotion today lifted me, when I read the part about your son and his worries, and what you told him to do with them, I stopped and did the sure thing with mine, lately I have been so worried about some things in my life, it seem like I was all along, and I know that Jesus loves us, and that all things is popose in Christ Jesus who sterengthen me.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you, I hope that you can read my spelling.
God Bless you
yvonne
Thank you. My heart has been full of worry lately. I am struggling with the fact that my 16 y/o daughter wants to go live with her father 200 miles away.
I am praying for guidance. There are so many factors involved. I know I can’t make this decision by myself.
Prayers are very much appreciated.
God Bless,
Mickey
WOW I am always amazed how God works,thank you for your honesty and obedience to Gods word. I need to be reminded with versus that equip me to go battle against satan’s lies.
My anxiety and worry has made me so weary that it has nearly destroyed my marriage, thankfully a week ago, my husband and I had an intervention and through counseling, much prayer and getting in the Word I know that the God we serve will equip me and my husband with tools to overcome this challenge.
Thank you for the blessings of your message.
Jessica
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A calming message for a weary heart.
Thanks Renee,
Love,
Joy
This is the first time I am reading your blog, and to be frank, I believe that god made me read this one, as I was making worry my top priority from few weeks now. I was pleading him to help me out..n I believe he did. Praise God..
God bless you!
Jini.
Thank you so much for your article on Peace-full = Worry less. I sooo needed to read this tonight. My husband has been hospitalized with a nervous breakdown for 2 weeks and I am so filled with worry right now. I had heard Mary Beth Whalen speak a couple of weekends ago in Garner, NC and I had emailed Proverbs 31 asking for prayer. Thanks to everyone for the prayers. My faith has kept me going! I have looked forward every night to opening the email you send with a wonderful message. God bless all of you. Thanks so much.
Sharon
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Worry is my beest friend! 🙂 I have decided to commit to memory Phil 4: 4-7 so that my best friend is replaced with the Truth!
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Renee:
I have a troubled heart tonight. Had one all day, and here’s the mystery of it all…
I can’t quite place my finger on the reason. It’s like a cloud; one that I will address when the kids get to bed. I am in need of some peace for my journey tonight.
Great posts this week.
peace~elaine
Renee, this comes at a great time not just for me but for the world. We are all worried about what is going to happen to the economy and to our jobs tomorrow, when we should put our trust and hope in God that things will work out in his time and in his way. I am so thankful that you wrote this today and allowing me to realize that I do need to put trust in God.
Ashley
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i’d love to receive this book!!!