Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25

Today, Lorraine Hill begins her discussion of “joy stealers” with Worry.  For many people, worrying is a habit, a bad habit.  Think of it as an indulgence – like chocolate, but not yummy.  If it were anything else, we would tell our kids, “make a better choice”.   But instead we tell ourselves, “I can’t help it”.  I think worry boils down to a lack of trust (not trusting in God’s plan, God’s goodness, or God’s timing).  Worry brings a sickness to our hearts.  The antidote for worry sickness is the same as the antidote for sin: I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (James 4:7-8).

My wonderful mother is having surgery today for ovarian cancer.  I have given her to the Lord, and He has taken (most of) my worry away.  I must continually choose to accept the Lord’s plan, trust in His goodness, and submit to His timing.  And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matt 6:27).  I am praying to Him fervently for her healing and her comfort, but I am choosing to let go of the worry.  I cannot afford such an indulgence at a time like this. I am finding I have no other choice, but to abide in Him.  Please pray for her today too – her name is Joyce and she is a blessing to everyone who knows her.  I am so thankful that she abides with the Lord too – what a blessing!

JustaGirl…just like you