Slam the Door on Worry

“Worry is a thin stream of fear that trickles through the mind, which, if encouraged, will cut a channel so wide that all other thoughts will be drained out.”
—Author unknown

I like to know what lies ahead before starting down a path. Sometimes, though, God directs me through unknown territory. The twists and turns of the way are unclear. 

But one thing is clear: God always walks along. 

Then why do I still worry? 

Worry

Recently, I committed to attending She Speaks 2015, an annual conference put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries to inspire and equip Christian writers, speakers, and ministry leaders.  I’m both thrilled with the opportunity and hesitant at the responsibility.

Three years ago I attended the same conference, and came away informed and emboldened (read about it here). Yet now, as then, I am tempted to worry about many things.

• whether family logistics will all work out (arrangements for the children; flights and hotel rooms)
• whether I will be able to pull together a valid speech to present for critiquing
• whether I have anything worth saying as I write a book proposal to present to publishers and agents 
• whether God really said yes or I forced the situation
• whether I have what it takes to do something with this opportunity

Whenever we embark on an adventure that varies from our current reality, anxiety likes to surface. We forget as God directs, so He goes.

He doesn’t just drop us off to fend for ourselves. We are never in any of this alone. 

So just because worry comes knocking, does not mean it has to be entertained. 

Just because worry comes knocking, does not mean it has to be entertained. Click To Tweet

Exchange Worry for Peace

Anxiety and worry zap passion and purpose right out of an opportunity, robbing us of our ability to see things in a productive way.

And although worrying is a natural human response to the unknown, God offers a supernatural alternative: His peace. 

We only need to lean into His offering. 

Anxiety and worry zap passion and purpose right out of an opportunity, robbing us of our ability to see things in a productive way. God offers a supernatural alternative: His peace. We only need to lean into His offering. Click To Tweet

That’s right, when worry threatens, as it will at some point, send it away by leaning into God’s peace.

Here’s how:

1. Pray. Seek God and His strength. “Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always” (Psalm 105:4).
2. Ask the Lord for help.Lay your concerns before the God of the universe. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). 
3. Give thanks in all. In the obvious blessings and the not so obvious, the Lord is still there, He’s still working. Worship Him with thanksgiving. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
4. Trust Him in the beginning, middle, and end … on the entire journey. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:13)

Walk in His Peace

Three years ago, I arrived at She Speaks 2012, excited yet uncertain I should be there. God met me in my need. 

I left convinced that He had a purpose for my writing ministry and convicted to take the next step in obedience. 

God will provide for this adventure as He had for the last. He alone knows all that will come from it. 

And He will continue to provide in each of our journeys, day by day. He is faithful to meet us in our coming and our going.

He only asks that we take the next step in obedience.  

When worry threatens, as it will at some point, send it away by leaning into God's peace. Click To Tweet

It’s not nearly as easy to practice as it is to type. But the Holy Spirit will help.

So, in whatever the Lord lays on your heart, seek Him first, and then walk confidently in His leading. 

When we trust in our own strength, worry is certain, but trust in the Lord and peace will be our constant companion. 

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:33-34

Reflections: What path is God asking you to walk down in obedience? What have you done to send away the worry that threatens to follow?

As I spend the next few months preparing for this next leg of my journey, I’d appreciate your prayers. 

I’m thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefree Thursday and this week’s prompt, “Why worry?” I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the images below to check them out.