by Lucy | Feb 21, 2017 | biblical counseling, emotions, whole health wellness |
Worry is EVERYWHERE today, and it’s making you sick. Scrolling through Facebook is enough to churn anyone’s stomach nowadays. So much hate, so little grace!
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Yet God says, “Do not worry” about anything. But how?!
In this short article, you’ll discover:
- Jesus’ wise words on worry.
- Worry makes you sick.
- How to stop worry.
Wise Words on Worry
Read this peace-filled passage, these Jesus words:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:22-24 (NIV)
Birds and wild flowers — valuable, yes. But God values you so much more than them. Don’t his words calm your soul?
Worry Makes You Sick
Here’s what happens to you when you worry. And almost anything contributes to worry-stress: grumpy kids, a messy house, an overbearing or passive husband, gossipy coworkers. . .but especially your attitude about your circumstances.
So what’s your main stressor? How do you respond?
You feel stress in your body. Stress may tighten your neck, tense your back, or bring on a migraine. It can mess with your digestion and raise your blood pressure.
You eat poorly. You are more likely to turn to more snacks and less fruit, plus LOTS of chocolate and skipped meals. Here’s a better choice right here
You skip exercise. When stressed, you may lack the energy to work out or take a walk when getting moving will actually energize you. And it wil give you more time to ruminate on my worries.
Wouldn’t you like to know how to stop worry?
How to Stop Worrying
Simply, FOCUS. Focus on Jesus and his love. Focus on God and his greatness and protection and care. This thought journal right here helps you do transform your thoughts.
Stop focusing on yourself. Be other-centered. Be God-centered.
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With a new focus, right now decide one thing you can do — yes, action! — that helps someone. I’ll start with a few ideas and I’d love to hear yours.
Write a thank you note and mail it.
Help your child with a school project.
Phone a family member or friend and ask about her life.
Think About It
How does the action of helping someone help squash worry? What are other choices you can make to stay safe from worry sickness?
Sharing Hope with Your Heart,
by Lucy | Jul 19, 2016 | biblical counseling, relationships, thoughts
Did you know you can have a forward-focused, loving attitude about almost anything?
In this post you’ll learn how to improve your attitude by
- Choosing an attitude like Christ’s.
- Taking a very practical step.
Choose God’s Way
True happiness comes to you as you choose God’s plan for your life.
Choosing God’s way over your own isn’t necessarily easy, is it? It’s humbling! My friend Kara wants to serve women at her church but her offer has been rejected. This discourages Kara. She has adopted the attitude that God has another plan, a better plan. Kara has adopted a God-centered attitude.
Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. (Luke 22:42, ESV)
Not my will, but yours be done: This is the heart’s cry of a believer who desires God’s plan for her life.
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Are you in. . .
Choose God’s way and you’ve won more than half the battle.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
Step Out!
Ready to learn HOW to improve your attitude?
Try this simple exercise. In a journal or on an index card, write:
“I choose to _________ (a godly action) so I will ___________ (a godly result).
Here a few ideas to get you started.
- I choose to deepen my friendships so I will have people to turn to when life gets tough.
- I choose to save an extra $100 a month so I will build savings and avoid using credit cards for surprise expenses like a car repair.
- I choose to talk with the kids about skipping their chores so I will stop holding in my anger toward them.
Do you see how a God-honoring attitude helps you move forward?
Your turn: I choose to ______________ so I will ___________________.
As you make God-honoring choices, you will rid the junk that blocks you. As John Piper said,
So the point is: Don’t stroll. Don’t meander. And don’t wander about aimlessly. Run as in a race with a finish line where everything hangs on the race.
May I encourage you to subscribe to my blog? When you subscribe, you receive a complimentary eBook.
Sharing Hope with Your Heart,
by Lucy | Aug 12, 2010 | biblical counseling
We each endure days, weeks, months, even years when nothing seems to go right.
My friend Sweetie told me of a crazy day — and I may get my details messed up (sorry, Sweets) — when the clothes washer overflowed her kitchen with bubbles on. . . her wedding day. I giggled as she divulged the details.
Attitude is everything, isn’t it?
A couple decades ago, I’d grumble grumble grumble if my car’s radio had static. In July when the family zipped north for fun in the sun — and my 11-year-old minivan’s A/C blew hot air — I put my hair in a pony, grabbed a cool water bottle and finished my Jodi Picoult novel.
But bubbles on a wedding day and hot air on vacation are NOTHING compared to what some of you are facing today: grief, a messy marriage, teens in trouble, bankruptcy, job loss, poor health. What do you need?
A bible verse? Probably not.
A chicken casserole? Nah.
An “it’ll be okay” sentiment. Nope.
You need what Jesus needed. Someone to listen, to encourage. He turned to his Father. We can too, of course. But would you also like a friend who listens or is willing to sit with you and say nothing?
Several years ago I finished my Pastoral Care to Women studies at Western Seminary, Portland, Ore. Now I’m getting workshops ready for women’s ministries at small- and medium-sized churches to help them help the women in their congregations and communities. Women like me. Women like you. Women whose lives are less than perfect.
Want to know more about my workshops or my e-counseling? Email me at Lucy@LucyAnnMoll.com or stop by my website.
You Are Precious!
