Give Up Worry

As Lent was beginning, I came across an article online called 'I Gave Up Worry for Lent'. I was intrigued by the title. In early February, I attended a women's conference where I was challenged to pick a word that I could learn about throughout the year, and have God direct and teach me in the area. I already had a word that God kept impressing upon my heart - peace.

The more I studied about peace, the more I realized how difficult it is to maintain peace when you struggle with worry. So I ordered a book by John MacArthur entitled Anxious for Nothing. I still am in the process of working my way through this incredible resource. I've learned so much from reading it, and also from this scripture. "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, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:6-9

As I've read through this scripture and have mulled over it, I've learned that the key to not worrying is to be in constant prayer, and praise to God. As we concentrate on what He has done for us, choosjng to be thankful, and thinking about how Chist is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, only then are we able to properly put things into perspective. As I began the Lent season, I decided to work on giving up worry, and have found myself successful. With giving up worry, I find myself more at peace.

I've been at peace even through three weeks of being sick. I praise God for how He teaches us new things.