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Why Pray When You Can Worry?Why Pray When You Can Worry?
by Bill Sherrill
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We are such a worrying people! Some of us certainly more than others. I can remember so clearly how my mother seemed to have perfected the art. I would receive a letter while away at school warning me to stay away from the water for a time because she had a bad dream. Of course it was a little difficult for me to oblige since one of my jobs was to care for the college pool as well as act as a water safety instructor. Mother was a good God-fearing woman, but she had a little trouble with "be not anxious."

Mother was not in a class by herself. Many today continue to find it difficult to trust the future to God. Perhaps some of that is from lack of faith, but I believe that some stems from misunderstanding the promises.

We do not find that peace because of logic or circumstances!
So often today we hear some preacher or teacher promising wonderful things if one can only trust God. When others try trust based on earthly rewards, they are often disappointed and sometimes lose their faith in God's control of their future. To trust in God is not a panacea for all life's troubles. Troubles may well be our lot — remember our hero was hung on a cross and many of his earliest followers lost property, were thrown in jail, or gave their lives for Jesus' cause. Trust allows one to find peace in the midst of troubles and hope on the darkest nights.

In "Wringing Our Hands or Resting Our Hearts?" Mary Lou Redding describes her tendency to worry to a friend. Her friend replied back with the gentle tease, "Well of course! Why pray when you can worry?" Mary Lou said that caused her to reflect on what worrying says about how she approaches her daily situations in life. Her words cause me to reflect as well.

We are called to "peace which passes understanding." That means that we do not find that peace because of logic or circumstances. Our peace is the hope we hold. And that hope comes from trusting the good and loving nature of the God who is always in control.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 TNIV).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

 
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      © 2007 Bill Sherrill's Thought for the Week. Used by permission.

      Title: "Why Pray When You Can Worry?"
      Author: Bill Sherrill
      Publication Date: August 18, 2007

 
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Bill Sherrill Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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HOME     topTOP HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is produced by Heartlight, Inc. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. Copyright © 1996-2007. Heartlight is supported by Westover Hills Church, Southern Hills Church, and loving Christians from around the world. Scripture quotations are taken from the Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. Used by permission. All rights reserved.