“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.”
The words of Jesus from John 14:1 remind me I have a choice every day. I can decide to trouble my heart, or trust in God. I trouble my heart when I continue to play negative tapes in my mind. These tapes often include fears about the future.
Worry robs today of creative energy.
Sometimes people feel obligated to worry. As if worrying is necessary baggage to carry along on the journey of life. Some carry their worries in a briefcase, others drag an oversized suitcase behind them everywhere they go. I’m kind of in the middle. My worries fit neatly in a backpack but it’s heavy and the load keeps me from climbing the high places.
Stop and think about the mental energy we use when we worry. Couldn’t that energy be spent writing, painting, or gardening? What could we accomplish if we set our suitcase to the side and refused to open it?
Worry robs today of it’s joy.
When we live in the present we start to be more aware of our surroundings. We hear a bird chirping outside our window. We smell the coffee brewing in the kitchen. Put your hand over your heart. Feel your pulse and rejoice because you are alive!
Most of the time the exercise of “troubling our hearts” doesn’t solve whatever problem we’re dwelling upon. It only makes us feel anxious. So how do we put a lock on our luggage?
Present your requests to God.
Once you’ve prayed about your concern, imagine tucking it away and locking it up. Allow the peace of God to fill your mind. Remember, God wants the best for you. He will be with you in all of your tomorrows.
Do Something!
“You’ve got to get busy living or get busy dying.”
The quote from the movie, The Shawshank Redemption offers good advice. We can choose how to occupy our time. Each day is a gift. We can waste it by rearranging the worries in our luggage, or lock it up and set it aside.
What does being busy living look like to you? Let’s not waste the gift of today. Take a walk. Read a good book. Bake cookies. Take a friend to coffee. Make a list of all the the things in your life you are thankful for. Enjoy today. Sleep well tonight. Enjoy tomorrow.
“Whatever is lovely, think about such things. And may the God of peace be with you.” Phillippians 4:8,9
debbieburton.blog 
I am an excellent worrier! So, I particularly appreciated your post. Always a good reminder but especially at this time of the year. Peace be with you!
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Excellent!!!
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Thank you. I appreciate your comment.
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Phil. 4:6 is a mantra for me! 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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I agree. Those verses provide a pathway to peace of mind. I need to commit them to memory. Thanks for sharing!
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Lovely and thoughtful writing…thanks for the reminder 👍
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I’m sure you’d agree, God words offers great inspiration. Thank you for reading and sharing a comment.
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Words of wisdom!
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And we know the source. Thanks for your comment.
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