Monday, April 1, 2013

A is for...Anxieties


By Shelly Burke

“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:1
                                    
What are you anxious about today?
·              Finances?
·              A troubled relationship with your spouse or child?
·              Your job?
·              World events that seem to be spiraling out of control?
·              Test results (whether a test as part of a class, or a medical test)?
·              The economy?
                                                      ·              Your future?

Our day-to-day lives are packed with potentially anxiety-producing events and happenings. If we start looking into the future, with the uncertainty of world events—unrest in the Middle East, financial crises in Europe, massacres in Africa—we could, literally, worry ourselves sick.

Anxiety can cause:
·              Sleepless nights
·              Eating too much or too little
·              Inertia—the inability to move or get necessary tasks completed

More important than physical reactions, however, excessive anxiety can cause you to miss:
·              A beautiful sunset
·              A quiet moment with your spouse
·              A hug from your kids
·              A walk on a balmy spring day
·              The endless blessing God gives us every day of our lives!

God does not want us to be anxious; he wants us to enjoy our lives!

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25

“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6

So what can you do to combat the anxiety in your life?
·              Read a “Good Word”—His word! Copy verses about anxiety and worry onto notecards, and put those cards where you’ll see them every day—the mirror in your bathroom or on your refrigerator.
·              Pray! Tell God your anxieties (or write them down) and ask Him to take them away. Then…let them go. Shred the piece of paper, if you wrote them down…God has them now.
·              Give thanks! When you start listing the things you have to be thankful for, you’ll immediately see how God is taking care of you and your family.
·              Do something for someone else; it will take your focus off of your worries  and is guaranteed to cheer you up.

Lord, thank You for all the blessings you have given me. I know that You are taking care of me; please take away my anxieties so I can enjoy You and the blessings of every day. Amen.
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Would you like a FREE “Casting Cares” verse card, like the one shown at the top of this page? 
If so, e-mail your address to shelly@shellyburke.net and
 I will get it in the mail to you!
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I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide Today, read
Suggestions for teaching kids about the “Armor of God.” 

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