Worry – The Biggest Energy Waster

Philippians 4:6-7 “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 minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dear Kids,

Have you ever noticed how the things you worry about the most almost never happen? In fact, the problems I encounter usually stem from situations I never gave a thought to. In the end I’ve found it is a waste of time to worry. A person can’t control everything in his or her life. Instead why not just trust the One who can!

Mishaps are a Part of Life

This past weekend our Nathan got married. For months before I spent a lot of mental energy deciding what dress to wear, hoping my shoes wouldn’t hurt my feet, fretting over the wrinkles in the tablecloths for the reception, and scores of bothersome concerns. And as usually happens when planning a wedding, a few mishaps did occur along the way.

The flowers to decorate the reception venue didn’t show up as expected. One of the bridesmaids and one of the ushers got sick. Nathan and Dalia had to change their honeymoon plans due to COVID-19. All of these glitches in the wedding preparations, while they created some frustration, worked themselves out and happily everyone adjusted and moved on. But on Wednesday of the wedding week, as I prepared to host the bride’s family, the one thing I never dreamed of happened.

The Things We Worry About Almost Never Happen

After spending the day setting tables at the reception site I ran home to make final preparations for our dinner guests. On arrival John-Keith informed me that while he was sitting at the kitchen table he heard a crash. Upon investigation he discovered, much to his surprise that our kitchen sink had fallen out of the counter. Has ANYONE in the whole world ever worried about their kitchen sink falling out of the counter on the day they are expecting a large group of people for dinner?

Thankfully, John-Keith was able to prop it back up with supports, and we enjoyed a lovely time with Dalia’s family despite this disaster. The next day a friend fixed the problem for us.

It just goes to show you that worrying is a waste of time. But it’s also a lack of faith. God tells us in His word that we should not be anxious for anything. He tells us in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, to present our requests to Him. When we do the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Unload Your Worry on God

There will always be mishaps and even a few disasters. But we are not to spend our energy worrying about them. Instead we must unload our concerns on God, and then move forward enveloped in His peace. He has control of every situation we will ever encounter. And He will help us find joy despite any misadventures.

The wedding was beautiful! Nathan beamed. Dalia was radiant! And everyone enjoyed celebrating with the happy couple. None of the frustrations dampened the day. And now we have another beautiful daughter added to our family.

So don’t bother worrying about anything – not even your kitchen sink falling out. It will probably never happen. But if you do experience any feelings of anxiety over unknown mishaps don’t waste your energy. Instead take your worries to the Lord in prayer. Recognize His complete control over all circumstances. Thank Him for His love and power. And then relax into His comforting arms of peace.

Love,
Mama