We just had Ladies' Bible Study on Friday and, during prayer requests, the subject of stress and worry came up. Many of us agreed that the worst thing about worry is that we are coming up with all the things that might go wrong and, most of the time, they don't ever happen. But, we have gotten into the habit of thinking that way. And the only way out is to change our way of thinking.
The biggest way I stress out is getting to church. Getting everyone up and dressed and out of the house to be on time for church on Sunday has always been the most stressful part of my life. For others, it may be worrying about what people will think of them or what will happen to their children when they leave the house with their friends.
When I would get up on Sunday mornings, I would start praying Philippians 4:6-7 over and over the whole morning till we got to church: "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I would meditate on that while noodging small people and husband to the van. And I learned that, while family didn't necessarily move faster, I was at peace.
Another important word from God on worry is Romans 12:2: "But, do not be conformed to this world but be transformed through the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." It's only by renewing our minds that we can live in the knowledge of how great God is and that even the bad things that happen to us can work out for God's and our good.
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