Take God’s Word Literally

How often do you read the word of God and say that you believe it, then do something that clearly indicates you do not believe it? I think one of the biggest areas that our behavior does not represent our belief in God’s word is in the area of casting our cares, worrying about things over which we have not control. We are told to cast our cares because He cares for us. He says come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

 

I think sometimes we may think that's it is actually easier to worry than to trust in God. Think about it. You don't have to give a second thought to worrying. It comes naturally, but it requires effort to actually trust God and believe He has everything under control. Your effort is mental, and occurs in the same mind that you are using to worry.

 

Unfortunately I have been known to worry on an occasion, or two, or three even though I try not to worry. Recently I was faced with a situation that would usually cause me to worry, but God worked things out so what I thought I was going to worry about became a moot point. All I could say was He really does love me. The God that gave the life of his only Son loves me so much that He does not want me to worry. That's incredible, but then He is incredible!

 

Talk about the peace that passeth all understanding. When you truly understand that God is in control, that He loves you and that He does not want you to worry you will have that peace that passeth all understanding. Have you ever been concerned about something then felt relieved when what you thought might happen didn't happen, or have you ever said to yourself that wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and felt relief? Well just imagine having that feeling of relief at all times.

 

Some of you may not even allow yourself to feel the peace that comes with knowing that God is in control and will never allow more that you can bear. You may feel as though you have to help God. God doesn't need your help and quite frankly I don't know of anything that we can do to help God. As a matter of fact what we think of as helping may oftentimes become a hindrance and prevent or delay God moving on our behalf or on behalf of those we are trying to help. The next time your mind prepares to worry allow God to take control.

Many times our worry comes with family matters or with our relationships with others that we love.  You've probably heard the phrase you always hurt the one you love. The other side of that is those that are closest to us are the only ones that can hurt us. If you are not in a close relationship with a person chances are what they say or do will not cause you to worry and will not cause pain. This is not to say that you are not concerned about that person’s welfare but they cannot evoke the same emotions in you that a person that you love can evoke.

 

By the same token someone that is close to you can cause your feelings to be hurt as well as cause you to worry when things are not the way you want them to be. Notice the use of the words “things are not the way you want them to be”. We all want the best for those that we love, however our choice of how we want that to happen may not be the same as what occurs. We do not know and cannot guess how God is going to work things out for those that we love but we can be assured that He will. What we must learn to do is to trust God and rest in His assurance.

 

We read in Matthew 6:27 which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? When was the last time your worry caused a situation to change? Worrying cannot change anything other than your own health. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, headache, as well as a lower immune system. Stop worrying and start believing. Believe that God will do what He said He will do. Believe God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind on Him. Believe that great shall be the peace of your children. Believe that God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Just as Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue after being told his daughter is dead be not afraid, only believe.