Stress, Anxiety and Worry are not God's Choice for Us!

I don't know about you, but I too often tend to be a worrier. I know I'm supposed to trust God and not worry, but I find it hard to relax most of the time. How about you?

Today, I'm talking to myself as much as to anyone who is a worrier. When worries enter our minds, we must look at the situation realistically. Is there anything we can do to alleviate the problem? If so, find a resolution and take action. By dwelling on situations and not taking affirmative action, worry robs us of our happiness and health, and can cause problems in our relationships.

Excessive or unnecessary worry is wrong thinking (the mind) and wrong feeling (the heart) about circumstances, relationships, and other things. If we have a single (focused), submissive, and spiritual mind, we should not have too much trouble with worry. We know we are in God's hands, and He always wants the best for His people.

If we are Christians, we know that God is always with us. His Spirit lives within us. God's Spirit guides us (when we choose to listen). He is our constant companion and wants only the best for us.

With God as our partner, we can live a life of Christian joy despite circumstances, people, or things. We need not worry about the outcome because God has our back.

How can we accomplish this state of mind?

We must learn to be submissive in Spirit - not always wanting our way. Other people have wants and needs, too, and they are just as important to God as we are. We are all God's children. We need to treat others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Love them even if they don't know God; we must look for the best in others.

We should not be as concerned with material things as we are heavenly things. "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted."     Luke 14:11 KJV

How can we accomplish a worry-free state of mind?

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
2. Admit your failures. It does no good to be double-minded, proud, and worried - making us sinners. The sooner we confess it to the Lord, the sooner His joy will fill our lives.
3. Surrender your mind to Christ daily - ask Him to give you a submissive spiritual mind. When you feel you are getting upset or stressed, ask yourself - why am I worried? Is this worry justified, or am I prideful? Do I want something that isn't available to me now? Do I not trust God to provide the solution? Am I guilty of something? If so, confess it and ask God's forgiveness.
4. God doesn't change us all at once. We will have "trials" periodically throughout our lives. These learning experiences remind us of the presence and power of God in our lives. God will give us the grace and power to endure all situations and possibly help us develop our achievements to a higher level.

TRIALS HELP US LEARN TO DEPEND UPON AND TRUST GOD!

Every time I have faced a situation that seemed impossible and I asked God to help, something would happen. Someone would show up to help, a solution would come to mind, or circumstances would change. God has never failed me when I asked for His help and trusted Him for the solution.

There were times when it did not work out the way I wanted, but it has always worked out for the best!

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."     Galatians 5:22

Have patience and trust God because He cares for you!

"Be happy in the Lord. And He will give you the desires of your heart."    Psalms 37:4 NLV