The Worry Monster

My mom was prone to worry. All too often she would lose her battle with anxiety, and peace would escape her. Yet even during those times of struggle and disappointment, she knew to take her worries and fears to the One who would give her the peace she longed for. She was secure in her relationship with Christ, and her desire to serve God at a young age remained with her throughout her life. This greatly influenced me and impacted a multitude of people who came to love and respect her.  She never blamed God for the troubles she faced, nor did she lose her faith and trust in Him that lasted till she took her last breath at 81.

As I write this, I’ve had to ask myself,  Am I prone to worry? In truth, yes, at times. I suppose our weak human nature leans in that direction. We anxiously await medical results. We worry if our kids and grandkids are safe and well. We worry that our children are not walking in fellowship with Christ. And for some of us, we worry about our future and the aging process. Moments of worry such as these make it easy for us to succumb to the attack(s) of the Worry Monster that threatens our faith and trust in God. Our faith weakens and  we fall victim to the What if assault of the enemy. What if the tests are bad? What if our budget exceeds our income? What if our children take the wide road of life instead of the narrow path? We tend to ignore God’s words in 1 Peter 5:8:  “You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him for you are His personal concern.”

Which leaves me to ask, How do we battle the enemy when our natural instinct is to fret, when faith and trust are just words and we fail to put their meaning into practice? My mom knew what to do.

I’ve been reading through the Book of Psalms since January, and as I’m reading the various chapters, I’m praying that I don’t gloss over the words and miss the message God wants me to have. There are countless reminders of how great God is and that as His child, I am assured that He is present in my life at all times, even when worrying dominates my thoughts. He gently reminds me through King David to “fret not” but to “trust…” and to “be still”  (Psalm 37). Such wise counsel! Further, living a life under the influence of the Worry Monster is not something God desires for me. He wants me to trust Him, have faith in His love and care for me. I am “His personal concern.”

Allow me to share some wisdom, the wisdom that comes as one flips the calendar from month to month and year to year! It’s nothing new nor profound. It’s quite simple: spend time in God’s Word, daily. The key word here is daily. We may study God’s Word, we may teach Bible studies, and we may even share the importance of walking close to Christ as Lord. Our  Bibles may be well used. But do we read it daily? And if not, why not?

I’m not one to make New Year Resolutions, but in January 2022 I made a decision to strengthen my commitment in my walk with God on a daily basis. By year’s end I had developed a longing to be in God’s Word in such a way that when I wasn’t, I felt as though I had neglected a friend! So I am repeating last year again this year! My early mornings find me with my mug of chai tea, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a handful of walnuts, sitting with my two devotional books and my Bible. My mother would be proud of me!

As further encouragement, perhaps a challenge…

Donald Whitney wrote a book entitled, Praying the Bible and it includes a chapter on how to read and pray the Psalms. There are 150 Psalms. When you divide by 30 (days in a month, roughly) you get 5. On day 1, read Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121. The following day start at Psalm 2 and read 2, 32, 62, 92, 122, and so on. By the end of the month you will have read the whole Book of Psalms. (Note: I’m suggesting reading Psalm 119 on day 31. It has 176 verses !)

As you read the five Psalms, allow the Spirit of God to bring to mind something or someone to pray for. Stop for a moment and pray for that situation or individual. Sometimes it may be simply a prayer of thanksgiving. Sometimes it’s a quiet time that provides you with a sense of peace, anchoring your faith, and strengthening your trust in the Almighty. Try it for one month and you might find yourself repeating this concept each month for the year. That would have you reading the Book of Psalms twelve times, and each time through, you will learn something new!

Life may bring me disappointments and trouble. God never promised I’d be free of them. Suffering is part of His plan to help me grow and depend on Him. And I’m trusting that with my focus on His Word, daily, the Worry Monster won’t be able to get a foothold in my life!

I’m sure I have shared this song before, but it is worth repeating.

Give Me Jesus