By Regina Marcazzo-Skarka
Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, going back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth without getting anywhere. When we worry about particulars in our lives, whether big or small, it makes matters worse. Nothing gets accomplished, and it is not allowed.
I am a worrier. I’ve worried about big, important things and spent countless hours fretting about something minor. Most often, the something, never happens. It’s a total waste of time. Sometimes, I worry about something all day or wallow in it for more than a day, and then all is well. What do I do next? I monopolize my thoughts with something new. And I know what God’s word says about worry. Is it a trust issue – or a control issue? One thing I do know is that it is a sin.
My son had a lot to say about my worrying when he was sick with cancer at age 18. He let me know clearly that worry was the opposite of faith. He questioned whether I trusted God. “Mom, fear is the opposite of faith. If you are fearful, then you do not trust God.” Woah. He was a little hard on me, yet he was right. By the grace of God, my son is over ten years cancer-free, but those days had a significant effect on me and my battle. I do trust God, but I still struggle with worry. It’s a sin I hope God wipes away while I am still here on this earth. Sometimes, I think I just like to wallow in it. It’s like a protection mechanism. I try to set myself up for what-ifs so they won’t hurt as much if they happen. But it is not allowed.
What can one do if they struggle with worry?
Here are a number of actions one can take:
– Foremost, pray and bathe in God’s word.
– Take captive negative thoughts.
– Memorize related Scripture so the verses are on the tip of the tongue when needed; the more, the better.
The following verses have been greatly helpful:
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Luke 12:27: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Job 19:25: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”
Revelation 21:3-4: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death,’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
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Allowing God to be God by Sharla Hallett
https://sharlahallett.com/allowing-god-to-be-god/
Wallowing in Worry NOT Allowed by Regina Marcazzo-Skarka
https://reginamarcazzoskarka.com/wallowing-in-worry-not-allowed/
Allow Your Soul to Breathe by Lisa Crowder
https://lisacrowder.substack.com/p/allow-your-soul-to-breathe
Simple Is Better – ALLOWED to Do So Much by Dianne Vielhuber
https://simplewordsoffaith.com/2024/02/01/simple-is-better-allowed-to-do-so-much/
Allow Your Dreams to Happen by Ashley Olivine
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