Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Worrying about nothing

The lesson in Freedom from Emotional Eating centered on trusting God (Week Three-Worry). The story is told of Jehosophat in 2 Chronicles 20; he faced an adversary, and he had the people first seek God, then sing, then go to battle. He thanked God ahead of time for the victory; the Israelites did not even have to fight to win. The battle was won for us.

I wonder how many times I have battled in the flesh, and I have also worried.
Philippians 4:6-8 says

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what ever is admirable-if anything is excellent and praiseworty-thin about so things."

How often do I worry a couple of hours before I pray. Women seem to have this tendency more than men; we think it is our job to worry, if we do not worry, we must not care.

That is not to say we should be in denial; if the situation is serious, we should pray with all our hearts. Asking the Holy Spirit to pray through us, we can be sure we are praying in the Spirit and in the will of God. He says that we have not because we ask not. After we seek God with all our hearts, we should then spend some time praising Him and thanking Him for all He is going to do. If we do not have peace in our soul, then God will give us time to pray about it again. It may not be right then, it may be in the middle of the night when we are more open to God's leading; or perhaps it will be early in the morning when we have our quiet time with Him.

I am so guilty of this, but I have to confess worry is sin, and sometimes I worry because I am not disciplined enough to get alone and seek God's face.

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