MEDITATION

This past while in particular, people have been worrying about their job, health, money, relationships and some feel that they are sinking.

Signs of sinking are:

when you cannot see your way and all looks dark

you feel as though you are on your own and out of touch with God

you feel out of your comfort zone; out of your depth

it is as though strong forces are against you

you feel as though you are struggling and not making any progress

Worry is something we all do from time to time. However, worry tends to exaggerate the problem. The more you worry about something, the worse it gets. Worry always makes things bigger and makes it all out of proportion. You lose your perspective on things. Worry is unhelpful, it’s like being on a rocking chair, you are not going anywhere. Worry is also unnecessary for it makes you miserable; it robs you of your joy. God says in Matthew 6 that if he takes care of the flowers in the field, will he not take care of us. Worry is unreasonable, illogical and it does not make sense.

We are told in Philippians not to worry about anything. We can have concern but not worry. What is the difference? Concern is showing your care for someone or something but it does not take over your life. Worry consumes you and is like a stranglehold on your life.

So here are various steps according to Philippians to deal with worry:

Unload all your worries on God because he cares for you

Pray about everything – so often we do not have because we do not ask

Thank God in all situations. Please note it does not say that we should thank God for all situations but in all situations. Gratitude is good for the heart. There is always something to give thanks for hospital care; visitors, flowers etc.

Think about good things- the battle is in the mind

Be content with everything. Contentment means enjoying what I have- not looking for something in the future. Contentment is independent of circumstances. Stop comparing ourselves with other people.

What is worrying you just now? What is causing you sleepless nights and poor diet? Give it all in the silence to God and receive his peace and contentment.

Choose a word or phrase and rest with it in the silence.

Listen to the hymn “Do not be afraid for I have redeemed you.”

Conclude with Prayer

Loving God, I’m struggling with control. I don’t know how to hand everything over to you, but I want to. I ask that you take this anxiety and spirit of worry from me. I don’t need to know the big picture, I just ask that you show me the next step.

Caring Lord, I am living with so much fear and anxiety right now and I know that doesn’t come from you. For you only give me a spirit of love and peace. I ask that you take this from me and turn my focus back on to you and your purpose for my life. I want to live free of this worry, so that I can be completely free to live the life you have created me for. Any time I begin to worry, I ask that you remind me, so that I can turn back to you and away from what the enemy is trying to do. You, alone, is where my peace and happiness come from. Nothing else. Amen