New Testament Journey Day 22. Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus Teaches About Worry.

Man oh man – this chapter was a game changer for me a few years ago when I really got it! I should have posted this yesterday but I overslept and only had a few minutes and I wanted to give this one some time because YOU NEED TO GET what this scripture is speaking to you.

Today I had a Dr’s Appointment. One of a few this week, continuing from last. A biopsy was taken from each shin to determine if the rash on my legs is vasculitis. As the doctor finished up the biopsies and was preparing to leave the room she looked at me and said “Please don’t go home and worry until we get the test results.” I said “Oh I’m not worried at all, God’s got me no matter what.” She stopped, looked me in the eye, obviously saw that I meant it and said “Wow, that’s not a response I usually get.” I then said to her, and the nurse still in the room, “I speak at ladies events and one thing I usually ask my ladies is this; Raise your hand if you have ever worried about anything – I mean anything – and the worry has changed the outcome.” No one raises their hands. Ever. She looked at me and said “Wow, you’re right, that’s a great way to put it. But I know that even though we know that, it can still be hard sometimes not to.” I smiled with peace in my heart and assured her that I was fine – she smiled back and grabbed my ankle and said “Thank you”. You see, this peace that passes all understanding, it’s a game changer! One of our verses today is “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” It’s that knowing that keeps me from hoarding toilet paper in fear – from not sleeping at night with worry over test results. If you keep your eyes so focused on getting as close to Jesus as you can – in return – the peace comes.

I come from a long line of worriers, and I saw what that worry did. Worry holds it with ill effects… (1) Damages your health. (2) Disrupts your productivity. (3) Negatively affects the way you treat others. (4) reduces your ability to trust God.

I will never forget the day I got it – I mean really got it – it was definitely an “Aha” moment. The light bulb truly went on and the peace flooded my soul and has never left. I was sitting at my desk in my little apartment thinking of all God had brought me through to that point. I read the verse “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need. Thank him for what he’s already done. And then you will experience the peace that comes from Christ Jesus.” My mind finally grasped the promises God gives us. If we do our part – if we eat right, exercise, don’t do harmful things to ourselves and others – then we’ve done everything we can do. The rest is in God’s hands and honey, worrying about it won’t change one single thing. Never has, never will. But praying – picturing yourself laying it at the altar and giving it to God – THAT is the game changer. YOU CAN’T CHANGE a thing by worrying. But the devil can use worry to rob you. Rob you of your health, your time and your joy. And when you thank God for what He’s already done – it’s a faith builder, a reminder that He did it before, He’ll do it again!

16 or so years ago I had blood work and I had a high ANA count. A specialist told me that I had Fibromyalgia, an auto immune issue, and likely RA. They said the only thing they could really do for me was advise that I go to the gym to keep moving, and Advil for the pain until the point I needed stronger pain meds. I was under a lot of stress at that time, and a lot of worry. It was eating me alive I’m sure. A few years after that I started my journey to seeking the Lord with ALL my heart. The stress left. I learned to trust God with everything. I started to have Joy again. In addition, I quit the 5 Mountain Dews and sugar filled snacks and started taking better care of my body. I started Youngevity vitamins and minerals. Today I am 54 years old and on NO MEDS other than the vitamins (and a baby aspirin a day now as a preventative for blood clots). They did the bloodwork first this past week. I received the results today – my ANA Count? It’s in the NORMAL range! What? Yep! God is a healer! I haven’t had the pain I used to have in YEARS – when the stress and worry left it appears that went with it. I thank God daily for a body that functions as it’s original design and speak life over my health. And I know that no matter what the doctors say this next week as my biopsy results are provided – God ALWAYS has the last word. (I’ve seen too many miracles to not believe it) He’s got me! And He’s got you if you trust in Him. The word says that God is no respecter of persons. His promises are true to everyone who accepts Him into their hearts and lives. One day, my time will be up. One day, all of us will take our last breath. My peace comes from knowing that when that time comes – I know where I’m going. I don’t believe that will be any time soon for me – but it is inevitable for all of us. Being ready is what matters because that’s honestly the biggest miracle of all – Jesus dying on the cross so we can live eternally.

This peace and freedom from worry is a game changer and it’s available to anyone who wants it. If that’s you I encourage you to dig in … Read the bible daily (follow me on this journey through the New Testament. Get out your bible or download the Bible app and read the scripture listed.) Pray daily. Talk to God daily like you would your best friend. Stay eternity minded doing Kingdom work and I promise – the worry, the stress, will fade away.

If you haven’t started your journey to seeking the Lord with ALL your heart I encourage you to do so. It’ll be the BEST decision you’ve ever made. Promise.