Don't worry! - Annie Sherwin

This is easy enough to say to others, but not so easy to say to ourselves or receive from others.

I've recently been redecorating Rob's office. In doing so, I've come across so many old diaries and notes that are years old!

If I was ever struggling with pressures of any kind, I used to write the feelings down, and then write my prayer telling the Lord I trusted Him on the uncomfortable journey I felt I was on and asking Him to strengthen me.

I've always said I am not a worrier. Growing up, my lovely mum always used to say "Why worry? It only ages you." and "99.9% of things we worry about never happen, and if they do, they never happen the way you imagine!" She really wasn't wrong.

These thoughts/concerns I'd written as prayers when we faced difficulties, definitely didn't turn out the way my thoughts were telling me at the time and the Lord not only sustained me/us but brought us through with a joyful testimony of His faithfullness and trustworthiness, every time. Even in the very worst of times, losing loved ones, the Lord provided all we needed in the moment (not in our imaginations, but in the moment).

Really I just wanted to remind us that the Lord has provided us with a wonderful imagination which can absolutely envision us to fulfill dreams and passions that the Lord has placed in our hearts, a hope to step into and declare. But our imaginations can also paint bleak pictures for our present day and future which create nothing but fear, anxiety, turmoil and worry.

If we have these feelings, I want to remind us that they are not from the Lord.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Philippians 4:6-7

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The truth is our God is a good loving father and as equipped us with all that we need and more. We can absolutely trust Him on any journey.

He is so faithful!

Thank you Lord.