So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings. Matthew 6:34 (GNT)
In theory, this Scripture is easy to memorize and pop off to someone going through a struggle, but in reality, very tough to live out and model to the world. As a mother and grandmother, there are times that worry seems to be so ingrained in me, it’s as if there’s some sort of overlooked matriarchal fine print in my birth certificate.
I’ve got three grown children and two grandchildren, so I’ve done my fair share of worrying. It’s a tough pill to swallow, knowing that I want to be obedient to God’s Word, yet I’m so weak in this area.
Giving all my cares to God, because He cares for me as 1 Peter 5:7 suggests, would be so much easier if my 17-year-old grandson wasn’t growing up in an age where they have regular lockdown drills at school. It’s easy to say Do not be anxious about anything … (Philippians 4:6), but when my newborn granddaughter is sick and not getting better (even after much prayer), I’m sorry … but I’m profoundly anxious.
The days when I feel completely overwhelmed with worry, I’ve found the only thing that helps alleviate some of my angst is to listen to Christian music.
Much the same way I take daily vitamins, I’ve started ingesting daily doses of music designed to encourage. One song in particular, All My Hope is in Jesus, (by Crowder, featuring Tauren Wells,) has become an emotional elixir that’s made it possible for me to get through my worrisome days.
I start most days listening to this song until I truly begin to believe that All My Hope is in Jesus. Some days it takes 8 or 10 times of replay before I begin to feel the oppressive worry lift from me.
I’m no stranger to the prison; I’ve worn shackles and chains, But I’ve been freed and forgiven And I’m not going back, I’ll never be the same.
I’ve fallen victim to much shackling of fear and anxiety with regards to my grandchildren and their safety. I know that God has set me free — it’s ME that keeps returning to the prison, refusing to completely lay down my chains.
The world is a scary place. In complete honesty, I’m ashamed to admit, sometimes reading the Word and praying feels as if it’s having little effect in surrendering my fears. I’m in no way advocating that prayer and Scripture reading are a waste of time. I’m merely stating that I’m human and this is a weakness in me.
Thank goodness though, that God in His mercy can reach each of us where we are at so we don’t have to fight these battles alone. There may be difficult days when it’s a little tough to proclaim with conviction, This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it, but I KNOW, that I KNOW, that I KNOW … ALL MY HOPE IS IN JESUS!
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone …
(From “Even If” by Mercy Me)
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.
“Even If” is a difficult place to be. Grace. Grace. Grace.
Thanks for sharing your struggles, it’s encouraging to me because I struggle with worrying over my future. I love that song from David Crowder as well. Glad I read your blog today!
Thanks Kathy, this is exactly what I needed to read & hear today. My worry is for my mom who lives in Ohio, alone, and has some memory loss. I will take your advice and listen to the song and allow the exchange of worry to trust in a Mighty God who is near to save. Thanks!
Such an awesome blog in so many ways! Christian music helps me, too, in my daily life. In fact, I rarely listen to any other type of music any more. I am a mother of two and have 4 grandchildren and I wish I could say that I never worry. It is one of my sins that I ask God for forgiveness daily. I know God can handle it better than I can but sometimes it is hard to let go and let God. Thank you for your message!!
Kathy, you know I’m a huge fan of your writing, but this one post in particular really spoke to me. I particularly appreciated this sentence: “I’m merely stating that I’m human and [worrry] is a weakness in me.” How very powerful!
Love this blog – what came to me is 1 Samuel 17:45, where the fear, worry and anxiousness “comes like sword, spear and javelin” but you combat it with worship music, “the name of the Lord Jesus” – amen!! So true and good that in His mercy, he reaches us where we are!