Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A PIECE OF MY HEART...don't worry, be happy!

Several years ago, there was a popular song
that sang about not worrying but to be happy.
" In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy now.
Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy.
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy.
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy. "

WORRY
We all worry about different things.

WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT TODAY?

Today, I worried that I will not get to go out of town with my husband later this week for a Christian Education Retreat at a really nice resort. We have been looking forward to it for some time now. I have all of the arrangements made. I have taken off of work. I have taken care of the kids. However, I came down with a bad respiratory infection this week-end and now I am worried I will not be well enough to go.

Worry...what good does it do?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a sick feeling of worry in the pit of your stomach?

Do you ever dread the sound of the phone ringing in the middle of the night?

Do you worry about what lies around the corner?

When Paul wrote, "Don't worry about anything," the word he used for "worry" indicates choking or strangling.

That is exactly what anxiety does.

It puts a choke hold on us, it wipes the joy off of our faces -sometimes squeezing it from us for the rest of our lives.

In a mild form, worry gives us a sick feeling in our stomach.
In a more severe form, worry causes us to panic.

This is no way to live.

1 PETER 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."

We do not have to give in to the state of worrying. Instead of continually feeding on our fears, we can trust in God who offers us peace in all situations. Rather than being consumed with our fear, we can channel our energy into prayer.

Having a peace of mind, a peace of heart comes from knowing God. This peace is offered to everyone, but we have to first choose to enter into this life of peace. Refusing to enter is choosing to be emotionally bankrupt and spiritually paralyzed.

SO WHAT GOOD DOES WORRYING DO?

Today, I choose to surrender my worries and trust God.
I choose to not worry and just be happy.

AND THAT IS A PIECE OF MY HEART;

5 comments:

Debra Kaye said...

Laurie,

I just said a prayer for you. I pray the Lord makes you well and that as you don't worry and give it all to Him, He blesses you.

Hugs to you, my friend.

Jennifer said...

Laurie, I am praying for complete healing in your body and you will be able to go with PC on your trip.

Everything within is choosing to be happy today but there are some days that it is harder than others. Today is one of those days for me.

I choose to rest in Him...casting all my care upon Him because He cares for me.

Love you and praying for you!
Jenn

Laurie Ann said...

Praising God for your surrendered heart. Worrying does rob us of our peace. I'm not a worrier by nature but only in a few instances that are totally beyond my control. They are things I give to the Lord but take back...I pray one day I'll hand them over to Him for good and show the faith that I have in Him to lighten my load with the 2 issues that worry me the most! Excellent post, Laurie. You are such a great teacher and have such a gift for encouraging others!

eph2810 said...

Amen to that, Laurie! I have been not sleeping well - waking up in the middle of the night, but I just pray and go back to bed...I do hope that you and your beloved will be able to attend the conference.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us.

Peggy said...

Heavenly Father, Today I come to Your Gracious Throne of Healing and ask that You send Laurie the healing balm of Gilead! In Jesus' Name & authority I command that respiratory infection to leave Laurie & I release Your fresh breath of air into her lungs!
Heal Laurie by the stripes of Jesus'. All worry must leave also and in place a reassurance and strength as Laurie recovers in time to rest and retreat...please help her be well enough to enjoy this time with her husband for this spiritual retreat! We trust You & thank You for all healing according to Your Name Jehovah Rophe! You are LORD over Laurie & she honors You!
We praise & thank You, considering this done in Your precious Name!

Don't worry Laurie...Be happy!