I have had a lot of ups and downs in my life. The past couples of years had been very rough and 2009 was defiantly one of the worst years for me. During these past couple of months I have been having some chest pains and experiencing shortness of breath. I have gotten blood work done, a Stress test, and even had my heart monitored for 24 hours. At the end of January of this year my doctor had let me know that all my results had came back normal. I was referred to see a lung specialist just to make sure that everything is ok with my lungs but more than likely my symptoms are from stress.
Looking back at the past years and even just looking back at 2009, I have had my share of worries, doubts, and fears but at the time I didn’t even realize it. I didn’t think I was under stress or didn’t think I was even worrying but God has shown me so much and allowed me to realize that this was an area in my life that was out of control. I found myself not placing ALL my troubles and worries over to the Lord and that even when I would do so I wasn’t trusting God to take care of it. Looking back now I saw myself doubting a lot and constantly worrying. Thank the Lord that he has opened up my eyes in this area and he is always here helping me to change and get through it. I know troubles will come in my life but I’m choosing to live the rest of my life worry free. Whenever a trouble arises I will take it straight to the throne and trust it has already be taken care of.
Life can take a toll on you sometimes.
Life is full of worry and stressful at times but the question is: Does it have to be? Do you have a choice?
The truth is this: Jesus says in this world we will have have trials, troubles, and difficulties but Jesus also says he gives you his peace and do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 16:33 (AMP) “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”
In life we know that we will have troubles then the real question we need to ask ourselves is: How do you handle them?
Can you answer yes to any of these questions?
Do you live a stressful life?
Are you constantly worrying?
Are you afraid of what will happen?
If so then read this verse and meditate on it day and night! I know I do. I absolutely love this verse:
Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Can you answer yes to any of these questions?
Are you tired of being stressed out and depressed?
Do you want to live your life with joy?
Do you feel worn out?
If so then I have great news to tell you, we do not have to continue living that way. Read and accept what Jesus is saying to you:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NCV) “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.”
We all have a choice. You can choose to focus on your problems, worries, doubts, and live your life afraid about the what if’s, afraid about your future, and so on.
You can also choose to focus on Jesus and not your problems, be carefree knowing everything will work out for good because God is in control and that he loves you and cares so much about you.
Give all your worries, burdens, concerns, and everything that’s on your mind over to the Lord and know he will take care of it all in HIS TIMING not ours, always remember HIS timing is never too earlier or late, God’s timing is always perfect.
Here are some bible verses I love and are great to meditate on:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Psalm 55:22 (CEV) “Our LORD, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall.”
Psalm 94:19 (CEV) “And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NCV) “And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.”
Psalm 34:17-19 (NLT) “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CEV) “We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG) “So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”
God Bless,
Angie Blevins,
Executive Assistant of World Prayr Ministries, Inc.
Twitter: @GodsWordisTruth
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