Thursday, April 12, 2012

Worry much?

Today I googled "Do women worry more than men?". Among speculation galore, the interesting consensus is yes. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. About 3 years ago, I had a panic attack. It felt like what I thought a heart attack would, and needless to say that starts a vicious circle of more panic, more pain. (I will say while I have felt close a couple of times since then, I have not succumbed to an attack.)

While I know I am not supposed to worry, I do.

I worry that I am not being all God called me to be. I am not. Only Jesus was perfect. If I was perfect, would I have a need for God? His power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)

I worry that I am not the parent I could be. I am not perfect. God fills the gaps.

I worry that I will be left alone. I am never alone. Even if all on earth abandon me, He will my cup and portion be. (Deut 31:6, Heb 13:5, Ps 16:5)

I worry that I am too judgmental. Judge not lest you be judged. I continually ask God to help me to see others with His eyes. He looks on the heart. Man looks on the outside. (Luke 6:37, 1 Sam 16:7, Heb 4:12)

I worry that I am judged. God looks on the heart and his opinion is the only one that matters. (1 Sam 16:7, Deut 6:18)

I worry that my children will forsake the teaching of God and cause themselves heartache. Train up a child in the way they should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6)

I worry that I am not enough. I'm not. If I were, once again what would be my need for God? (2 Cor 12:9 again)

I worry in general, about my children, my spiritual walk, my husband, my marriage.

See a theme? The Word of God is the answer to any problem I have. Even my worry. Lately the following verses have been on my mind.

Ps 55:22-23 The Message

"Pile your troubles on God's shoulders—
he'll carry your load, he'll help you out.
He'll never let good people
topple into ruin.
But you, God, will throw the others
into a muddy bog,
Cut the lifespan of assassins
and traitors in half.
And I trust in you."


1 Peter 5:7 AMP

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."

Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thank you God that you carry my load, you are my help, that you care for me, that you listen. I want your peace to guard my heart and mind.