Disclaimer – This post is not intended to offend anyone – only to illustrate.
There are days in my life when worry overtakes me. I often wonder why it’s so much a part of who I am. It might be said that I’m the typical Jewish mother – even though I’m not Jewish. Jesus was, however, and so was His mom, so this may be why He spent a lot of time talking to His people about the dreadful trait of worrying. By the way, Jewish mothers do not have a corner on worry. We gentiles are just as likely to be concerned for our kids. I believe it’s actually a part of a woman’s DNA to fret about things over which she has no control.
It’s easy to tell someone not to worry, but that isn’t going to stop them from doing it. In fact, it might even lead to more worry just thinking about it. Besides, we may not have experienced what the worrier is going through. When you don’t have personal knowledge of something, it’s difficult to advise someone else. Your credibility will definitely come into question.
Jesus walked in our shoes. He knows all our frailties and shortcomings. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He isn’t just talking about physical rest. He’s telling us that He gives comfort for our souls as well. He actually allows us to lay our burdens on His large shoulders and He will carry them for us.
I will undoubtedly continue to worry until I die, but my worries don’t have to depress me or dominate my thinking. Thank you, Lord, for giving rest to my weary mind and body, but mostly for relieving the doubts, worries and fears of my soul. Remind me that you are in control of all things and let me rest in that knowledge. Amen!
atimetoshare.me 
I LOVE this post!
My daughter has covid again. Most of my grandchildren were exposed, and we are waiting to see if they get sick. And… my husband is having major surgery this coming Monday, January 17. That day will also be his 73rd birthday.
I have been feeling some worry about these things. Why? Not because I lack faith in our gracious and loving heavenly Father, but because I love my husband… I love my grandchildren… I love my daughter… and I know how much life can sometimes really HURT.
Yes, I do have faith that God will work everything out for the good in the end. But in the meantime — life is really hard sometimes and I worry for the ones I love. While I worry, I pray and pray, grateful that God doesn’t get tired of hearing from me!
I have been through many extremely painful things in my life. This is why I developed PTSD as a young girl. But as I write the memoir of my life, I am seeing how much good came from the bad. All the bad in my life ultimately drove me to become a Christian. And this, alone, makes all the trauma worth it!
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You are so right, Linda. This world and all it has to offer – good and bad – has a great pull on our heartstrings. We hurt, we suffer, we cry, yet we can rejoice in even the bad times because of the good that God has done for us.
I feel somedays that I wish it would all come to an end (and it will soon) but then I think of all the things yet to be – great grandchildren, weddings, celebrations of life and it’s like a tug of war at times.
The fact that you can see the good which comes from our bad experiences is a great sign of your strong faith. God will not let us suffer more than we can endure and He will always help us find a way out. You have an amazing story to tell. I hope you finish it soon so I can read it! In the meantime I will pray for you and your family during these difficult times.
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Thank you so much for your prayers! I am very grateful for you, Kathy. I have been shamed in the past by a popular Christian blogger, for admitting in a post on my blog that life in these trying times can be difficult, especially for someone with PTSD. I haven’t written many blog posts since then. I need to get over worrying about how some people may react to my posts. If they did like it, they don’t have to read it. 🙂
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I’m a lot like you that way. I’ve always shy away from rejection so I’ve tried to stay away from controversial subjects. We shouldn’t really worry though – right? So let’s make a pact. Just go for it!❤️
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Okay… I will try! I’m definitely going for it in the writing of my memoir, but on my blog it’s harder, for some reason. Maybe because right now my memoir is all on my computer and nobody can read it except me. 😀
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When I am not together, I pray these little prayers, “Sacred Heart of Jesus I Trust in Thee,” and another that helps me with my children is “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph the perfect Holy Family Please pray for my family.” Just a note, wanting to help if I can, God bless you and yours.
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Thanks for your insight.
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I frequently remind people that “Thou shalt not worry” is not the eleventh commandment. When Jesus tells us not to worry, he’s giving a promise that everything is in his hands and will be OK. J.
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I must tell myself that very thing every hour of each day!
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