I have learned a lot about worry lately. Dr. David Jeremiah says, in this book, that "Worry divides the mind and multiplies misery. It subtracts from our happiness. But it never adds...Worry is the most ineffective use of your time".Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)
How then, should we be spending our time??? I think the verse above gives a clear answer. Give it all to Jesus..."with thanksgiving"...and then His peace will be yours. That being said, here is my thankful list for this week...
- I am so very thankful for my Jesus who bore my shame on a cruel cross, so that I can spend eternity in heaven with him, and experience his abundant life in the here and now.
- I am thankful that God hears and answers my prayers. That I can "approach the throne of grace with confidence" knowing that he knows my needs even before I ask him, and that he has my best interest at heart (Jeremiah 29:11).
- I am thankful for all of my precious friends. Today, I am particularly grateful for Jennifer, Donna, Keishiah and Priscilla. These girls will never know the impact they have had on my life, and how very honored and blessed I feel to have their love, prayers, and encouragement.
- I am thankful that when I confess my sins, Jesus "is faithful and just to forgive them, and cleanses me from all unrighteousness".
- I am thankful that each day I am learning more and more about how to stand against the schemes of the enemy, and that when he reminds me of my past, I can remind him of his future!!!
- I am thankful for the Internet! Yes!! Without the world wide web, I would not have a wonderful community of Christian Women Bloggers, Bloggin' Mamas, and (most recently) an awesome group of Church Planting Wives to "share life" with. All of you gals have been such a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration to me. Just want you to know that I don't take that lightly...you really are a blessing!
- As always, I am thankful for my precious husband, who is "my little piece of Jesus" right here on earth!!! He is an awesome man of God, and I have total faith in his leadership. So many women have trouble with the thought of submission, but that has never been an issue with me (thankful, again!!) because I know that he loves me as Christ loved the church!! I covet your prayers right now, that I may be the encourager and cheer-leader he needs me to be during this challenging, thrilling, and frightening time in our lives.
- I also thank the Lord for the awesome privilege of mothering three of the most precious little souls on the planet. My sweet little family is something I often take for granted, and I want to take special care right now to say how very much I appreciate this gift. Emilee, Jacob, and Samuel...I love you all so very much!! I will always be in awe of the fact that Jesus gave you to me, and allowed ME to be your Mama!!
Man! I could go on and on and on!!! God is so very good to us!!!
Isn't it amazing how, when we take the time to count our blessings, that our cares and burdens seem to lighten?? This truly brightens my day, and brings a smile to my face!!
What are YOU thankful for???
Feel free to join us each and every THANKFUL THURSDAY at Sting My Heart!
10 comments:
Thank you for always blessing my heart sweetie.
Oh, My Dear...WORRY, though we all fall into it's trap from time to time, is time lost. You started your post by saying you learned a lot about worry this week and you ended it by saying that when we take the time to count our blessings our burdens seems light. You are learning the lesson well! I am sure I am older than you - I am a grandmother now. Life can be hard as well as joy filled. Over the years of my life and marriage (almost 38), we have endured many trials and outright tragedies together. The greatest blessings and the greatest lessons have come from trusting God to take care of us and all of our concerns in His great wisdom and power! Life changes but He never does!
Kathy@ Mimi's Garden
Great reminder to "give it all to Jesus". Many words/actions can be subsituted for worry, but they have the same result that divides the mind and multiplies misery!
Worry is something I struggle with. Thanks for pointing out the thanksgiving in that verse. Have a good day!
I find that practising thankfulness fixes a lot of things. Now if only I could make it a lifestyle, rather than something I only suddenly remember when I feel like life is too hard!!
I've LEARNED so much in that past 10 years about WORRY...what wasted time!!:)
I still fall into it occasionally..at least now I know how to 'GET OUT OF THAT!!'
Give it ALL...He's got COMPLETE control...what a GREAT reminder...and you are TOO right, when we start listing our blessings, we SEE why we should be SMILING!
great post!
lori
Yeah awesome verse. :) And amazing post. I say yeah and amen! Thanks for sharing sweet girl. Blessings on your day.
Hi Susanne,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for praying for my boys. I covet those prayers.
Enjoyed your post and I liked your quote too, so PERFECT for me right now. I'm trying NOT to worry.
Blessings to you my friend♥
Susan
It would seem we live in the same neck of the woods. Are you church planting in this area? Our daughter and her husband are about to fly out to San Bernadino, CA to look at church planting there. He is a Pastor in MI right now. I enjoyed your blog and we do have much to be thankful for. God is always GOOD!
This post rocked girl! Thanks for being such an encouragement!!
Blessings~
Karen
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