{Monday Motivation} Facing the Giant Worry

I borrowed that title from Pastor Tito Javier.  It seems like my favorite past time lately is worrying.  I worry about our finances, strained family relationships, finances (again), Julia's tantrums, work, rainy season (yes, I worry about that because I live in Quezon City), not being able to spend time with Julia, loans to pay, my back pain (even after 7 sessions of physical therapy), front car tires that I need to replace (gulp, that falls under finances, too), Don's official business travels abroad, and a lot others that are very personal to share.

In between my whining and worrying, Don would always remind me to pray and trust in God.  I often retort an annoyed "I do!"  I really do.  But, often times, I am consumed by worry.  Too often that my faith is being replaced by doubt and anxiety.  Despite this, God continues to pursue me through my friends, family and work.

In our office, I found out that I was not the only one with issues about worrying.  So, a few weeks ago, my colleague, Frances, organized a values enrichment talk with Pastor Tito.  Because I was busy worrying the night before,  I completely forgot about it.  It was scheduled at seven in the morning at our office and God must have conspired with time, traffic, and my alarm clock because I was there on time.  When I saw Pastor Tito's title slide "Facing the Giant Worry" flashed on the screen, I cried and surrendered.  God is persistent, I told Pastor Tito.  He responded with a laugh and said. "Yes He is, Belle."

All throughout his talk, I felt ashamed.  How can I declare I know God if I doubt His love?  Why do I write about his glory if I cannot recognize his mercy and grace?  I know that God is merciful and He knows the desires of my heart even before I say anything in prayer.  Trust is believing 100% that God provides and He answers our prayers according to His will and in His time. 

Trust in God will happen if we know Him.  Here are some Bible verses that Pastor Tito shared that will remind us that no worry is bigger than our God:

Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24)

Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)

The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days. (Deuteronomy 22:25)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:15)

Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once.  It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time.  Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. (Corrie Ten Boom)

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