Dear Pam,
I'm a worry wart. I worry about everything when it comes to my kids. I've tried to not let this worrisome attitude rub off on my kids or
make them fearful. So far, it's been working, they are fearless and don't seem to be held back by the same worries I have. However, I
know this is the wrong attitude to have, especially as a Christian mother. Can you help me with this?
-- Worrier
Dear Worrier,
The Bible makes many references to worry, like Psalm 27:1-7 where it says, "Fret not yourself. Trust in the Lord." In Isaiah 35:4
it also tell us we can say to the anxious heart, take courage and fear not. Jesus said, "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow;
for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt. 6:34). For me, it's comforting to know the Lord
holds today in His hands, and that He is organizing and planning how tomorrow will go. He doesn't want me to worry about the future,
even with its share of problems.
When I think about it, no one goes through life without bruises, calluses, down times, and a few scars. Some people have more hurts,
while others endure ongoing situations beyond their control. By placing our trust in Jesus, knowing He writes our names on His heart,
can give us encouragement especially since His mercies are new every morning.
Remember there was a lot of grumbling with the Israelites who wandered in the desert. They worried whenever times got tough, when it was
hot or food seemed scarce. They fell into a pattern of grumbling only for God to show up and provides miracle after miracle. And each
time, the Israelites rejoiced at seeing the hand of God.
Still they told Moses that they were doomed, because the Egyptians were closing in. But remember, God parted the Red Sea and they
escaped Another time, they whined about bitter water, only for God to give Moses a piece of wood, which he tossed it into the water,
and they drank fresh water.
Later they mentioned how they sat around pots of meat and ate all the food they wanted in Egypt, telling Moses that he had brought
them into the dessert to starve. So, God brought manna and quail from heaven. Another miracle. If God can provide manna for them, He
can do the same for us.
God doesn't want us to wander in despair but to live a life of victory. Worry paralyzes us, and it makes us unable to accomplish all
that God has for us. Worry distracts and it keeps us from being productive.
God loves us, just like we love our own children. And we can shine in the same way, by looking for ways to share God's light with them.
We only have today. No guarantees about tomorrow. That's why Psalm 118:24 is one of my favorites. "This is the day that the Lord has
made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). When we are choked with worries, we are unable to appreciate the
beauty of the moment. Worry consumes. Worry hinders. Worry wastes our time. Philippians 4: 6,7 says, "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, shall guard our
hearts and minds in Jesus Christ."
When worry comes. Pray. When worry stops you in your tracks. Be thankful. When worry fills your thoughts. Make your requests be know to
God. We can pray, give thanks and talk to God, and His peace will flood our hearts and that peace can flow into our day.
We can cast our burdens upon the Lord, because He will sustain us. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I'll leave you with one more scripture, that is found in Romans 8:28, and
it tells me God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. It
all boils down to this. If we worry, we can't trust. If we trust, we can't worry.
Need more answers? Read the Bible online at Bible.com and Crosswalk.com
About The Author:
Pam Kumpe writes a weekly inspirational newspaper column for the
Bowie County Life/Texarkana Gazette in East Texas. She
hosts a podcast "Daybreak Devotionals," a series on the women of the Bible. For more about Pam go to
PamKumpe.com or visit her blog, www.pamkumpe.blogspot.com.
* Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice. Read legal
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