Worry Doesn’t Have a Place in Kingdom Living, Part I

For years I lived with anxiety and worry. As a child I didn’t know exactly what those feelings were called. But I’ve always known they were paralyzing. Not knowing how to adequately describe my thoughts and feelings, I kept my emotions to myself. Aside from writing in my dairy, my communication was very low key. I would look around at school, wondering who I could talk to. I would sit silently at church trying to determine which adult I could confide in. And with each attempt to open my mouth, an overpowering fear would come over me. And I would hear the questions:

What if they laugh?

What if they don’t understand?

What if they announce it in church?

What if we are no longer friends?

What would people think of me once they know?



Romans 8:6” For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”



The violations of my physical self and my innocent mind, had consumed me. I cried a lot. I don’t think a week went by and I didn’t spend at least one full night crying trying to understand the physical attributes of anxiety and worry.

At the age of 11, I began to read the Holy Bible regularly. Previously, my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Powell had ignited such a strong desire in me by reading the stories in the Bible. Then the reading stopped abruptly and I wasn’t sure how to navigate on my own. Yet, the Holy Spirit would always lead me to the Psalm and Proverbs. I made it a point to learn a scripture a week. The Lord never left me.


Matthew 11:30 ” My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”



Many times we consume ourselves with worry. And if the day doesn’t present itself with anything to worry about, we reach back to get some stuff from yesterday. And if that’s not enough, we obsessed over how to control tomorrow. It can be a vicious cycle or merry-go-round that doesn’t immediately stop. Therefore, we have to find a jumping point and leap! And to leap we have to have faith that God’s got this!



When I was having trouble with my 8th grade math teacher, I told my parents. I didn’t have a worry in the world about that situation, because I knew the very next day, my parents would come to the school. I had faith! Also, they weren’t going to call me in for further details; it was going to be handled amongst them. The Lord works that way as well. We are to pray and not worry. Once we take it to Him, he doesn’t come back for further explanation and our assistance. I truly believe he doesn’t want us to live burdensome lives.



What’s amazing about worrying is its ability to suck the life out of any situation. Yet, we still fall victim to its hold. But I have learned that doesn’t have to be our declaration. I have learned to do something different. When I allow the spirit of worry in my life, I have to immediately react. Otherwise, I would exchange an entire day of life for worry. God doesn’t desire that I live like that.



Therefore, I seek Him. Not because I am meandering through my situation and just happen to fall upon a prayer. I seek Him first and I seek Him on purpose. My efforts to communicate with the Lord are intentional and immediate. If not, I allow doubt, over thinking, Plan A-C, and other people opinions to block out what the Lord has for me. I have been in that wilderness, marked the trees and don’t want to return!



This week I am praying for those whose life is consumed with anxiety and worry. The Lord desires peace and rest for us. I am experiencing this like never before. I desire peace for you as well. I encourage you to intentionally carve time each day just for the Lord. Open your heart to Him. Receive from Him. And then follow the instructions given. Remember, the Lord moves in His own time. Period! No further explanation. Own that statement and live in the moment you have right now, and you will find yourself on the awesome path to Peace.


God Bless You!



Prayer Lord, I am asking you to create in us a clean heart. We have worried needlessly. Please forgive us. Thank you for never leaving us and for being our Provider. You have cared for the birds of the air; surely you will take care of us also. Amen