Overcoming Worry

Can I control the outcome?  Will any amount of worry change the actions?  What power do I have to change even the more serious things?  Why should I worry about those things God has promised to provide for me?

I guess I should deal with those things where I can make a difference.  That narrows it down some.

The difference between worry and healthy concern is that worry profits nothing except sleeplessness and ulcers.  Concern, with preparation, allows me to choose a certain amount of control over my situation.

But it is so hard to not worry when there is so much at stake here - my kids, their future, my life, my future, and the list goes on.

I will make an accurate accounting of my resources and my challenges.  Until I KNOW where I stand I can’t move forward!  It seems this problem has changed my whole future and I am still trying to understand what may happen.

I know I cannot handle the whole load of problems all at once so I will list and prioritize the things I can do and turn the rest over to God.  I will try my best to not worry about those things which God will provide for me but rather be careful to place my priorities on the things of most importance.  See Matthew 6:30-34.  The most important issues are being a strong parent, getting myself stabilized, developing a God-centered plan for the future.

Being the proper parent has to rank at the top because I know if I fail at this my kids may go down this same miserable road.  I will be strong for them and build a new and exciting family image.

I will keep myself fit emotionally, physically, and spiritually by daily “workouts” in each of these areas.

I will have a financial management plan to provide proper support for my family.

At a time like this I know I need all the help I can get.  My friends really want to help though they may not know when or how.  Now is the time to let them.  I will in turn prepare myself to be able to help them if they have dark hours later.

I will not play the “macho-man” or “super-woman”.  I already have too much on my plate.  I will build up my prayer life and give my worries to God.

Philippians 4:6-8 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, 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 through Christ Jesus.”

It may seem like He has a higher view of my strengths than I have but sometimes I need to remember to just get away rather than try to stick it out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

So now I have my lists all prioritized.  I have a plan.  I have friends lined up to help.  I have a relationship with God to stay plugged into.  Guess I need to work the plan and allow faith to carry me forward.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

John 13:35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Please consider our sincere offer to listen, talk, and share concerns about the future as well as an opportunity for Bible study together at any time.

For more information please contact us:
Killen Church of Christ
1560 Hwy 72E.
Killen, AL 35645
Phone 256-757-2918
kchurchofchrist@bellsouth.net