Too Early for Christmas?

Is it ever too early for gifts? The support and encouragement I have received from so many of you who have read my blog has been a wonderful gift to me. Now I want to give a present to you. On November 30th, as an early Christmas present, I will draw the name of a Follower or commenter on my blog, and send her the book Breaking the Worry Habit...Forever by Elizabeth George.

I will put a name in the basket for every Follower and every comment posted on this blog. Just remember to write your name in the body of the text if you post as anonymous, so I'll know who you are.

If you have problems signing up or posting, just click Technical Support in the righthand column under Labels.

And to everyone I give a big heartfelt Thank You. Your kind words are priceless.

Why Worry?

Ever heard of speed-worrying? Bob coined the phrase to describe one of my best-refined skills. I tend to jump in and stew over a problem the minute it surfaces. What if this happens? Or that? What is the worst that could happen…yikes! Bob says if worrying were a sport, I'd be in the Hall of Fame.

But there are so many things to worry about. I've worried about the future, the present and the past. The big issues like health, finances and family members kept me awake at night. The smaller things sometimes got equal time. I agonized over all decisions−what if I make the wrong choice? Afterwards I worried−did I do the right thing?

I spent too much energy worrying about things I had no control over. I got myself all wound up when someone was late, wondering if they got in an accident. I became anxious about the ramifications of things I'd done or said, and worried that others would make bad moves.

My level of concern escalated to such a degree that I called it obsessing. When a problem arose, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I fretted and fumed, dwelling on it day and night, until one day I realized the anxiety made me feel physically ill. At my pinnacle of worrying, I found myself worried that the incessant worrying would cause me to get cancer and die.

My husband was right. I needed to get a handle on myself. Worrying didn't help or change anything, and I didn't want to live with all this stress any longer. I didn't like the anxious, fearful person I was becoming. Christians are supposed to have peace, so I turned to God.

When grappling with my problems, I had prayed and asked for God's assistance, but hadn't let go and released the process to Him. Again, I'd only sipped God's loving provision, ignoring the full measure of His help. I vowed to work on releasing all my troubles to God at the onset, and trusting Him with the results. This decision was an important first step.

Now, when I feel my stomach tense-up about a difficult situation, I take it to God in prayer. We sort through the facts and alternatives, and He instructs me on the part I can do. I act on His directions, and give the rest over to Jesus.

Later, if I find myself dwelling on it again, I cut short my problem-solving and second guessing God and sit down for another session. This time the topic is me.

Why can't I let it go?

The Holy Spirit gently helps me unearth and face my misgivings and fears.

Do I really believe God can and will handle everything?

I remember God's help to me in the past. Bible verses detailing God's strength and care come to mind, reassuring me He will.

I can now place the issue back in His hands and enjoy the peace of trusting my loving, capable God to take care of everything, including me.