Worry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Stop. Don’t. No need to. Doesn’t really help if worry is a past-time for you. But Jesus said don’t and Paul gave some simple instruction on how to deal with it. Years ago, I left my house on Christmas Day with nowhere to go and little prospect of a happy Christmas. However, it had a purpose and it helped me to have a very happy Christmas. As I walked down the road I saw a woman who looked torn up by worry. I went over and asked if everything was alright. She said no and detailed all the reasons why. I had little to offer her but prayer so I asked her if I could pray. As I prayed the Holy Spirit filled that woman from the top down and I saw all worry leave her. The lines on her brow went and her mouth turned into a smile. It was a very visible change. She thanked me and went back home to what I hoped was a happy Christmas.

At this point, I can come out with a whole lot of thought on worry, about it being a sin, not trusting God etc. But I think it is far more positive to ask you to pray. Start where you are at. Every time you start to worry pray, ask God and even if you have to keep on praying… that is what God asks, your worry will fade away. It might take time but the effort is worth it.

Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm;
still me, Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease,
enfold me, Lord, in your peace.
Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm;
still me, Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease,
Lord, enfold me in your peace.