The Secret to Decreasing Worry (3-min. read)

^“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Matthew 6:33

This past week, I was talking with my friend, ‘Gabriella’ about how she was just diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago. To my surprise, she was beaming with joy and deeply hopeful. So I asked her, “How is it that you are able to be so hope-filled having just been diagnosed with cancer?’  I soon realized this faith-filled woman had what the Bible calls ‘peace that surpasses understanding,’ as she told me how we serve an Almighty God. Clearly, it is Gabriella’s strong Christian faith that enables her to experience hope and joy, even in the face of life-threatening adversity. In essence, she has found the secret to decreasing worry and finding peace in any circumstance.

When Gabriella told me about her having breast cancer, she had indescribable joy as she shared the difficult reality she was facing with God’s abundant grace. She could have been afraid or anxious, had a sense of impending doom, or even be angry about having cancer. But she was none of those things. But how could that possibly be?

Trust in God’s Unfailing Help

She knows well that when we pray and ask for God’s unfailing help, He will provide for our every physical, emotional, and spiritual need. By praying in gratitude to God, despite the extreme adversity she faces, Gabriella trusts that The Lord is with her in whatever happens in her life. The secret to decreasing worry is an important part of her life.

When we seek and follow Jesus, He stands in front of us to pave the way, walking shoulder to shoulder beside us. He walks behind us to comfort and protect us. He guides us along the way and bears our suffering for us. Jesus knows our every thought, word, and deed. He helps us, especially those who follow him and live a faith-filled life. Though we may not see Jesus, we can certainly feel His loving presence through the power of the Holy Spirit, His ongoing parting gift to us.

Embrace God’s Peace & Joy

Without gratitude in prayer, we miss out on the opportunity to encounter and embrace God’s unmatched love, peace, and calm. When we feel the presence of God as Gabriella does, we are far more able to put aside anxiety and fear, rest easier, and gain a more positive, life-giving perspective. When we believe and trust in Jesus with all our hearts, one of three things happen: God will either strengthen us to deal with whatever we are facing, miraculously heal us, or remove the difficulties we face. Either way, when we place our lives in His loving hands, He will work on our behalf to change things for the better as only He can and help us grow I faith.

Know You Are Not Alone

I think that Gabriella’s joy is all about believing and trusting in God. She knows she is not alone in her struggle; that God is with her each day and every step of the way. She understands that we serve a mighty God who is all-powerful, compassionate, and merciful, and she believes whole-heartedly that God is who the Bible says He is; and it brings her great peace.

No one knows what tomorrow will bring. But when we are prayed up, and give it to God, we are well-prepared to live life as it comes, through God’s grace, and with tremendous hope. Gabriella has learned the secret to decreasing worry and the key to living a joyous life. Her powerful Christian witness serves as a reminder to all of us that God is in control, and worthy of our trust and praise, regardless of the circumstances we face.

© Copyright 2024   |   Adele M. Gill

____________________________________________

BIO

Adele M. Gill is a retired RN, Chaplain, and author of 6 books including, How to Go from Broken to Blest. She is also a blog author and podcast host https://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net. Adele resides in Maryland and may be reached at: adelemgill@gmail.com.