My new motto: Don’t worry, pray

• By candidasullivan
• April 5, 2023
• No Comments

I am determined to break the worry cycle in my life.

I woke up again, in the middle of the night, with worry attacking and surrounding me. The moment I woke up, the enemy bombarded me with fears before my eyes opened. In the darkness of the night, it all seemed overwhelming. 

In our vulnerability, the enemy will paint us the scariest pictures. Because in every evil imagination he paints, we are alone in our heartaches and troubles without the Lord. Satan never shows us the power, strength, and goodness of the Lord.  

But the truth is that we are never alone. Not even for one second. 

When our problems stack upon us and chip away at our faith, we can listen to the trash-talking enemy, trying to destroy us, or our all-wise, all-powerful, mighty God. 

God gave us a choice. Sometimes, when life feels uncomfortable, and I feel like drowning in my heartaches, I can’t see my options. During this time, my mind only offers me more sorrows and worries. The more I think about my hardships, the greater they become.

Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We can choose to look for the good and focus on it. We can pray about every fear and hardship. We can seek the Lord and FOCUS our minds on Him. 

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When we find our hearts troubled, we need to examine our thoughts. I do this by writing them out. Just putting my thoughts on paper helps me. It gets them out of my head. Sometimes all I need to do is write them out to feel better, and other times I need to do some work on them.

Using the above scripture, I can examine my thoughts with these questions:

Is it true?

Is it honest? 

Is it lovely?

Is it just?

Is it a good report?

Does it praise the Lord?

If not, I must let it go and choose a better thought. Sweet friends, we create our lives with our thoughts. Our thoughts become our feelings, leading to our actions that create the result in our lives.

I don’t want to repeat last night. If I don’t process my fears and worries during the day and pray about them, they magnify in the darkness of the night. I know that if I continue on this cycle, then it will make me sick. Therefore, I am working on it all and asking God to help me. If I am struggling with it, I know others are also struggling. That’s why I wanted to share this with you. It has already helped me tremendously this morning, and I hope it also helps you. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Have a beautiful day!