Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to executing a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down that you are immobilized for lack of energy and because of fear.

Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge out obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, “But seek first his 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).

Exercised trust energizes the weary.

 Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or in your brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work, because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent, because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities.

Alcohol has become your outlet for those things that you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the later. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).”

Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word, because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, their family and their faith.

Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty as a reason not to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret, but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and gives strength for your faith journey!

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?

Related Readings: Luke 1:37; 5:1; 11:28; Acts 13:7; Ephesians 6:17

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There is a non-verbal language of love that is communicated through compassionate tears. Empathy engages the heart at levels that verbal exchanges may not be able to penetrate. It is when emotion responds to emotion that a grieving soul senses they are cared for and understood. Tears quietly give the aura that I feel your pain—I hurt because you hurt.

Comfort is the first step in seeking to serve another’s pain. Refrain from truth telling until the heart receives proper care. Fear and anger have to be flushed from a hurting heart, before facts can be appropriately applied and comprehended. It’s from a context of love and acceptance that people trust and receive. Tears become a conduit for Christ’s care.

“This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you” (2 Kings 20:5b).

We mourn with those who mourn, so they are not alone. Desperation feeds at the table of aloneness, but security and peace preoccupy the person comforted by a community. It starts with a patient spouse or friend and spills over to sincere souls who believe in Jesus to bring wholeness and healing. Tears shed in love terminate isolation and invite intimacy.

Does your husband, wife or child need a response of compassion, rather than a reaction of passion? Does your team at work need you first to listen and understand, instead of feeling an automatic demand for your agenda? Yes, truth sets free—but the mind comprehends, after the heart has been heard. Tears prepare the way for truth’s arrival.

“I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter” (Ecclesiastes 4:1b).

How is your heart? Do you have a safe environment to lay bare your soul? Self-reliance and self-condemnation are obstacles to intimacy with your heavenly Father and with those who love you the most. Dismiss driven discipline—instead practice vulnerable dependency. Replace shame with security in your Savior, and trusting transparency with a caring community. Your tears open your heart to emotional and spiritual healing. Free your soul to speak with moist eyes to your master Jesus—as He lovingly weeps with you.

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Hebrews 5:7).

Who can I weep with and comfort in Christ? What in my heart needs healing comfort?

Related Readings: Job 16:20; Psalm 126:5; Acts 20:19; 2 Timothy 1:4

Additional Resource: eBooks- Wisdom for Fathers (free in June), Wisdom For Mothers, Wisdom for Graduates, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God… click here: http://bit.ly/jHlNX0

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God made His children to need reassuring words like: I love you—I am here for you—I am committed to you no matter what—I am extremely grateful for you—You are beautiful—I admire you—Your work is outstanding—You are a special friend—We will not go into debt—We will thoroughly pray before any major decision—God is with you.

Reassuring words ratchet up the value of a relationship, as it is not enough just to think or feel committed, but verbalized care creates confidence and security. Ambiguity feeds insecure illusions and false fantasies. Pride thinks it can keep quiet and somehow communicate care, while humility can’t help but speak words of comfort and affection.

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).

Moreover, see your speech as a mouthpiece for God. He calls His children to be conduits of good conversations on behalf of Christ. What the Lord thinks about your spouse or work associate is the starting point for discussions. It’s not always about your agenda; instead reassure them of their goals and aspirations. Reassurance brings emotional rest.

Fear motivated behavior normally lacks assurance. The fearful need to know that they are heard and are not alone in their concerns. They feel loved, because they hear genuine words back from a friend that communicates that they understand. Conversing with care must precede the pronouncement of truth—indeed this leads to constructive conversation.

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend” (Proverbs 22:11).

Most of all hear the reassuring words of your heavenly Father. He loves and adores you—He values you as the pinnacle of His creation—You are forgiven and precious to Him—Christ is your biggest cheerleader—He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”—You are His friend, His servant, His child and a trophy of His grace. Listen to the Lord’s loving words to you and by faith, you will receive His righteous reassurance.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

What words of assurance can I speak to my spouse, friends and those I serve at work?

Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:18; Esther 9:30; Acts 20:2; Hebrews 10:22

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A life sustained by the Lord is secure and at peace. Fear is foreign to a faith filled focus on Jesus that flows from a humble heart. Humility positions a person for provision from the Almighty, while pride invites exclusion from eternal resources. True sustainability stresses humble submission to God. It looks for the Lord’s leadership.

A self-sustainable existence is an illusion from the enemy. He makes us think we are in control and there is no need to call on Christ. But isn’t it the pinnacle of pride to think I can sustain myself without my Savior Jesus? A Savior is not needed for someone who thinks they are self-sustainable. But He guides the humble into what’s right and real.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9).

Humility is a prerequisite for people who desire to be guided by God. He searches for servants of His whose humility invites His intercourse into their activities. It may mean what I thought was the right relationship, career path or financial plan—was not the Lord’s will. He clarifies, corrects and confirms for His children. He sustains those who remain students of what’s wise—and when wrong, they change before it creates a crisis.

God’s track record of sustainability can be trusted. He sustains you during the sickness of your spouse. He sustains you in the middle of conflict and misunderstandings. He sustains your character in the aftermath of great accomplishments. He sustains your business and ministry by His grace. He sustains your faith when it comes under fire.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).

Do not let the uncertainty of your financial future shake your confidence in Christ. He will renew your faith and He will not forsake you in your old age. Humility doesn’t take on the mantle of self-sustainability; rather it’s honored to rely on its heavenly Father. His sustainability isn’t shaken. You can rest secure in the sustaining arms of your Savior Jesus!

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).

How can I trust my life with the Holy Spirit’s sustainability and not my own?

Related Readings: Job 36:18-19; Psalm 41:3; 147:6; Hebrews 1:3

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