Be Present: Worn Out by Worry

“Worry is interest paid on trouble before it falls due.” –William R. Inge

When Matthew 6:25 [GW] shares, “So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes?” the Bible passage doesn’t feel completely applicable to me.  Sure, there have been times where it’s felt very tight between paychecks, but I’ve not had to be concerned about our next meal or clothing our children, and I’m grateful to GOD for His provisions. 

But still, I worry. . . daily. 

I worry about what others will think of my actions.  I fret about the future.   I worry, “how my decisions will affect my children?” I get perplexed if feelings get hurt.  I worry, “Am I a good Mom?”  I’m distressed if things don’t work out just so.  I worry that my Dad won’t approve.  And the list goes on and on.  Verse 27 continues, “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?”  If worry could extend your life, I might live hundreds of years more than most, but what a toll all that distress would take.

It’s exhausting!

[deep breath]

“Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” –Psalm 46:10 [TNIV]

The Common English Bible paraphrase of this verse speaks to me.  It’s as if GOD is saying, “Darla, that’s enough! Now, know that I am God.”  [Psalm 46:10a, CEB (personalization added)]

For all my worry, driven by a hell-bent compulsion to people please, I was failing in my attempts to get approval from GOD; Incessantly, restlessly, I would get bedeviled by the details, feeling tormented by my misguided concerns.

“Let go of your concerns!
    Then you will know that I am God.
        I rule the nations.
        I rule the earth.” –Psalms 46:10 [GW]

It seems as if GOD is saying, “Let me be God. Rest in my love and let me take care of you.”

Yes, He rules the world, the universe, and everything, yet He also knows my greatest desires. Only GOD will give us a lasting peace in our hearts. 

“Stop worrying.”

“Let go.”

“Be still.”

“Know that I am GOD.

Encounter Prayer:

GOD, I’m exhausted. Thanks for patiently listening to my worries, offering me relief and comfort. Thank you dear Jesus for the peace and rest only You can provide.  Help me be still. Amen.

Encounter Questions:

• Being candid, what do you worry about?
• What would it be like to “let go?”
• How might you build your confidence in GOD’s ability to take care you?

 Devotional contributed by Darla Lauterbach Kendrick Posted by A. Allan Martin by permission.