Winning over Worry

We recently celebrated our church’s 30^th anniversary. It was a wonderful time remembering God’s goodness in bringing our church to the point it is today. But it was also sobering thinking of the changes that have happened, the people who have come and gone, the struggles and trials that so many have faced, the ones who are no longer living for the Lord. I found myself thinking about all the things that could happen in the next 10, 20 or 30 years. And all too quickly I was caught up thinking about all the “what ifs”. Instead of reflecting on God’s faithfulness, I allowed myself to get so discouraged and depressed thinking of all the bad things that could possibly happen. Why do we so easily give in to worry – worry about finances, about our family, about our jobs, about our health and safety? Because we are not thinking things that are true! We are commanded to think on things that are true (Philippians 4:8). A “what if” thought has absolutely no truth to it. Worry accomplishes absolutely nothing except wasting time, and the things that we worry about will most likely never ever come to pass. God’s Word tells us to “not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

So what are some truths that we can dwell on when we’re tempted to think about the “what ifs”?

1. God promises to supply everything we need. (Philippians 4:19)
2. Whatever may happen, God gives the strength we need. (Philippians 4:13)
3. God’s grace abounds and is sufficient to help us! (Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9)
4. God’s compassions are new every morning. His faithfulness is great! (Lamentations 3:22-23)
5. Our circumstances may change, but God never changes. He’s always the same. He is the one absolute in our lives! (Hebrews 13:8)
6. The trials we face have eternal significance and are meant to make us more like Christ. (1 Peter 5:10, 1 Peter 1:6-7)
7. God is good, and everything He does is good. (Psalm 119:68, Psalm 34:8)
8. God is in control. He doesn’t make mistakes. (Romans 8:28, Psalm 18:30)

Take one of those verses and memorize it. Put it in front of you so when you’re tempted to worry you can take action against those wrong thoughts and think on things that are true! We need to set boundaries for our thoughts and not give in to worry!

Treasures to Share

Shepherding a Child’s Heart

My husband and I are currently going through this course for the second time together and have found it to be a must for parents. Every attitude and action our children display stems from their hearts, and as parents our goal is to reach our children’s hearts, not just change their behavior on the outside.

Shepherd Press has also put together a wonderful resource, “Wise Words for Moms”. In chart format, it lists behaviors our children exhibit, heart probing questions, the negative trait to “put off” and the positive trait to “put on”, and Scripture verses to go along with each. It’s a great tool to have right at your fingertips.

The above resources along with many other wonderful home school resources can be ordered through Light Educational Ministries.

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