And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (Matthew 6:30)
I was lying in bed the other night, and all that was going through my mind was how things were not going right in certain areas—specifically with my blog and my book. It’s not that those things are not doing beautifully; it’s not that at all. It’s just that competitive nature in me! In my mind and with my personality, those things could always be doing better. Because things weren’t going exactly the way I wanted them to—in that particular moment of time—I was losing sleep. Like most of us, I have a hard time being content.
But them something amazing happened.
God interrupted my fretful thoughts and gave me a perspective that I knew could only have come from Him.
He reminded me—so gently—of what I didn’t have to worry about:
My marriage.
My children.
My health.
My friendships.
Even my finances.
All the things that really matter in life were not causing me to worry. But unfortunately, from my distorted perspective, all I could see was the things that really do not matter.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6)
Not only was I worrying (I should have given it to the Lord), I was worrying about something that was His anyway. I was worrying about something that, on my list of priorities, was not at the top. Not that the blog and the book aren’t extremely important, but when placed with my other priorities of being a wife and mother, they fall a little farther down the list. Yet I chose to let that be the determining factor of my attitude.
What I learned at that moment was this: God tries to teach us throughout His Word to see things from His perspective. The enemy, Satan, distorts our perspective. When we see things through God’s Eyes, we have clarity. But when we let worry and distraction seep in, there is no clarity. There is no looking at it from God’s view.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
For me, and I think for most of us, the enemy slips in when we allow ourselves to get distracted by the lesser things of this life. God tells us all through His Word that the most important thing is our relationship with Him and our relationship with others.
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:35-40)
The next time you are worried about something, I want to encourage you to ask God for His perspective. Then, take a look at what you’re worried about. Are your priorities in order? Mine weren’t. I was allowing work to be my priority. I was allowing work to consume my thoughts, and then the door was opened to the enemy. He takes every opportunity to plant a perspective of fear and worry, rather than faith and contentment.
I have a feeling that my upcoming mission trip to Ecuador will offer me yet another chance to see life from a different view—from God’s perspective rather than my own. I want to ask you to pray for me, that I will have a Christ-like perspective and an open heart for all He has for me there.
What do you do when worries consume your thoughts? I’d love for you to share your thoughts about this post, and any favorite Scripture verses you rely on too!
I too have REALLY been struggling with worry and doubt lately. We felt the Lord telling me to stay at home with our children even though I was the primary breadwinner. The numbers didn’t “add up” but we wanted to be obedient to the Lord. Even though we are not late on our mortgage and have never missed a meal, I continue to focus on the problem and worry about how we will pay our bills. God has reminded me to change my focus to the Father and no the problem. The Lord has provided for us and I must trust that He will continue to do that even if I don’t know how!
“For we walk by faith and not my sight” 2 Cor 5:7 and
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”. Joshua 1:9
These are verses that I rely on when satan tries to attack my thoughts.
Thank you Kelly for sharing your struggles! It is so encouraging to see you be so open and transparent about your walk with the Lord!
Aaaahhh, Melissa. I can so relate to you. We too walked the same journey you are. I want to encourage you that the Lord WILL provide and he will do it abundantly. I can’t imagine our life before this major decision, before fully trusting him. I so easily forget that He has a plan that is so much more amazing than any I myself could author.
Thank you. I so needed this reminder today, too.
One of my favorite verses that helps me is Jeremiah 29:11. It is comforting to know his plans for me are good ones in the midst of what seems like destruction or confusion. If I seek him first above everything else then the details of life will come when they are needed.
love, love, love that verse! One of my favs. 🙂
Kelly,
I truly believe you are up for a life-changing experience during your trip. I have been, and will continue to pray for you and your trip. And I pray against any distractions/obstacles the devil may be planning to throw your way.
May you have a beautifully blessed trip,
Raquel
Raquel – I so desire each and every prayer you put my way. I really feel like I am being lifted up in prayer these days. God is so good and I am so excited about what awaits me in Ecuador. Had my team call today and I am just giddy with excitement!
Kelly,
Beautiful words and just what I needed to read today. Thank you for reminding me that I should be giving my burdens to the Lord. Thank you for letting your light shine, and making Jesus a big part of your blog! So refreshing!
Amy – thanks for the encouragement, you have no idea how much I need it some days! HOpe you have a great one. 🙂
I don’t know why we try to take care of things our self , when all we have to do is turn it over to God . Thanks for sharing this with us , i needed to be reminded too.
Thanks for you words, you are so right!
Kelly, You don’t know me, but I read your blog all the time. You don’t have to worry about your blog. You have a wonderful, uplifting one to me. I just love your recipes and your Christian ways. I, too, was a terrible worrier. One day, I said that I would just give my worries to God and you know, I have been very calm since and not such a worrier and I have 2 older sons that used to worry me to death, lol. Have a wonderful trip and it is eye opening to see another country, it will make you “kiss the ground of our country” when you get back and pray harder for other countries.
Carol – thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I have laid the worry aside for now, and it is so freeing! I feel so light and carefree, and so much more full of joy. But, it is a constant battle I fight. Hoping I will win this battle soon!
Kelly,
I have been really dealing with the same thing, and your post was an encouraging reminder. A favorite verse of mine is 1 Peter 5:7: ” casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV). Casting is an active, intentional action, kind of like throwing in my mind. I also like this version because I give the Lord my cares and in return He cares. He is so good!
I love that verse too! I agree, it is so active, and I have even had times where I write the fear/anxiety on paper and put into a jar or the trash to physically represent “casting it off”.
Kelly,
I was really encouraged reading this devotional. Very timely in our lives! We are following the Lord’s leading on our finances right now. Finances have always been my ‘stronghold’ and something I have always struggled with…go figure! If I can’t give it to God, how can He work it? So, we have made the step of faith and I have left my job to stay home and be the mother that God created me to be. At first, it was so scary!!! But, it’s amazing how on paper we should be broke…but somehow our bills are being met! If only I let go earlier in life!!!
You truly are an encouragement and I thank you for sharing your heart with us!