This was his message today:
“And
do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep
worrying”
Luke 12:29
There are numerous synonyms
for worry two of which are doubt and unbelief. When we unnecessarily worry we often
find ourselves robbed of assurance and peace that is ours in abundance when our
faith is strong. As an example
consider the story in Mark 9 of a man who was at wits end worrying about his
little boy who suffered greatly at the hands of an unclean spirit. When he brought the boy to Jesus he
said, “But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” Jesus replied, “If You can! All things are possible to him who
believes!” In response to Jesus’
call to faith the father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my
unbelief!” (Read Mark
9:14-27)
When doubts arise because of unbelief
and worry begins to take a toll on us we should be quick to cry out as this
father did, “Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief”. Worry is lethal to our peace. It quickly extinguishes hope and
effectively kills our joy. When we
worry we become vulnerable to being driven by winds of uncertainty that cause us
to make rash decisions that only make matters worse. Caught up in such a whirlwind we sink
deeper into despair which increases doubts that add to our worries and
multiplies unbelief.
It is not easy to overcome worry but
it’s not impossible either.
Trusting in the Lord implicitly, prayer and holding onto the promises of
God is, without comparison, the best remedy for worry. If we feel our anchor slipping or sense
we’re losing our grip on the lifeline that extends to heaven, be quick to cry
out, “Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief.”
As we continue this adoption journey, it is hard not to worry. Our hearts are open-- but right now the biggest hurdle is financial. It seems impossible. But, I am reminded and encouraged that with God all things are possible. So, as I tuck my napkin into my collar and look down upon my heaping plate full of responsibility, and I will pray: "Lord, I give thanks! I DO believe! Help me not to worry. God, help my unbelief. Amen."
You have to remember not to write the story before it's written! I am pretty sure my head ever gets cracked open, inside will be a whole lot of ticker tape. My brain is constantly going through scenarios of saying the wrong thing, acting the wrong way, consequences of the worst, and others' voices. (Not in a schizo way, but what I think people think of me!) When we get ultrafocused on the ticker tape, we forget to live in the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe moment is I'm here, at work, taking a tiny break to check up on a wonderful friend who has an amazing adventure ahead of her. The moment is I'm happy to be breathing and working and researching ridiculous stuff that I'm not sure I've even wrapped my brain around. The moment is I can still taste the cheese I just ate and...I'm not wishing for more, I'm not waiting for the end of the day, I'm not wanting. I'm just breathing. JUST BREATHE! <3 God loves you - probably more than most people, (because most people are assholes and you're not), and your family will be even more complete and more loved and SOON!
Keep chugging lady. Life lives in the here and now - not ahead.