Ok, at least the first part of this phrase is something that we definitely need to remember. It seems like these days with a technology boom, with families spread across the globe, with continuing divisions by race, religion,ethnicity and with the state of the economy........ we all have things that we feel the need to worry about.
However, the bible tells us over and over that we are not to be anxious or worry, but to pray. It's easy to think "I have bills to pay and no job, how can I not worry?" Yes, you must be concerned. You should do all those things that are within your power to do. Like looking for a job, filling out applications, sending out resumes. Those are all proactive things that you can and should do. You should do anything legally possible that you can to improve your situation. Like filing for unemployment, filing for food stamps or any finacial aide available. AND you should pray! Be faithful in your prayer and live in knowing that God is in control. It does not mean that things won't be tough (He never said it would be easy - in fact we are told that it won't) But, while we worry, our eyes, heart and mind are all focused on ourselves. (It's so easy to have a little pity party) Even when we are worried about someone elses issues. Worry causes us to turn away from focusing on God & what He wants for us. When we let go of the worry & turn it over to God - we change our focus, it is directed away from us. It can be placed in giving Him glory and honor.
Be Happy ~ well, sure we all want to be happy. But, only a fool walks around grinning and giggling 24/7. So - not that happy. Sometimes, we are in a place where it is hard to find enough happy in our hearts to even smile. Such as, at the loss of a pet, a job, a marriage or a loved one. But, we can pray past the worry & then rest in the peace Christ provides. I'm not in anyway saying that it's easy. I have never been able to quite achieve the position of "well, it's God's will - or - "their in a better place now". Largly because in my heart I feel that a better place would be still here with me. Yes, that's selfish....but, it's also honest. I can be understanding of those who have been in pain from illness for a long period of time, that they are no longer in pain. But, it doesn't change the fact that my heart aches to have them here with me. Guess what??? There's that focus again. The focus is on me, it's inward. The perfect time for a pity party. If I stop for just a moment to think of the reason that I am feeling this worry or anxiety, I can then realize what it is that I need to do....change my focus and pray.
There are definitely times when you are not going to be happy. Just don't let those times keep you from being at peace. Don't let worry and anxiety be standard. We rarely have control over the things that we worry about, so choose to let those things go and let God be in control. He really does know what's best for us.
You may be wondering what brought on this need to discuss this topic...well, the other day I applied for a job, the interview went well and I thought that based on what I was told that they would be calling everyone the next day, one way or another. I was so excited and then sunk into a deep depression and felt lonely - even though I was not alone. The next day, I still didn't hear from them but, I did find out that they hadn't made their finale decisions. So, I still have a shot at a job. It was then that I changed my focus. The funny thing is that I knew what I was doing, I was very aware of the fact that I was not focusing on what I should, I just couldn't stop it. I just want people to understand that we all have those moments when we feel that things are out of our control and we want things to be the way that we want. We need, at those times to be able to turn it over to our heavenly "Father knows best!"
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