Because God’s love is perfect,
we don’t have to be. Philippians 1:6
I was given a gift today! I absolutely love gifts and especially when they are given freely from the heart. As I’m sitting here in my post-holiday daze, feeling a little sorry for myself that this round of festivities is over and family has scattered back home (their homes), I realized that maybe I could have done more to make this holiday perfect. Really??? Yep, that’s where my mind wanders when the quiet settles back over my home. So I ask myself-what if I cooked a whole turkey instead of just a turkey breast? What if I made a pumpkin pie from scratch instead of serving a store bought pie? What if I was more present for my family? What if… the list could continue and consume me to the point that this post-holiday haze might back up to the next set of holidays.
God does not ask us to be perfect! God does not want us to be consumed with worry. God gives us the perfect gift everyday- Himself! This was the gift I received today as I was mentally beating myself up.
God gave us His son, Jesus, who in turn chose the cross to free us from our sins and worries! In this season of Advent, we are called to wait in stillness for the coming of Jesus-the beginning, the ultimate gift from God! We are asked to step back and survey our blessings and offer thanks that our Lord chose to give us the gift of Himself!
So… #WhyWorry??? As we wake up each morning with anxious thoughts and end each day with lingering remnants of the worries of the day-how do we let our worry become God’s worry? How do we let go of every bit of it?
When worry becomes all consuming…
Change your focus!
This is my favorite advice to my sons-ask them and they will tell you! Take a walk, listen to your favorite music, read or do something that brings you joy. It’s a sure way to push that worry away. Bottom line- it works!
Breathe! Just breathe!
In this season of preparation, worry seems like a given. But God will beg to differ with you. Ann Voskamp says it beautifully in her new book, The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas – “So now we pause. Still. Ponder. Hush. Wait. Each day of Advent, He gives you the gift of time, so you have time to be still and wait.”
Breathe in the peace of Jesus-breathe deeply and let it fill your lungs! Breathe out the worry that is present and let it float up to the heavens and beyond.
Be still and pray!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:4-7
God’s Word is truth and holding the above words in your heart when anxiety reigns will cause your heart to fill with peace. Rejoice for the Lord is near and His love is like no other. Rejoice and adore the Lord who freely gave Himself to all as the ultimate gift.
Reflection:
How do you find rest from the worries of the season? What is your go to method to combat the ever present anxiety?
Finally!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” ~Matthew 11:28
Linking with these lovely blogs:
Thank you for this much needed encouragement. May you be blessed for your ministry to help others. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for stopping by! I pray we all know where are “enough” comes from and that we hold onto that truth each day. Blessings!
Thanks for your well written blog and suggestions on how not to worry. Breathing and expelling all thar pent up anxiety is a great way to release that toxin called worry. Hope you have a blessed holiday, Merry Christmas. 🙂
I appreciate your kind words. Blessings that this holiday season helps us all to focus on the the true gift-Jesus!
I can really relate. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by! Blessings to you!
Thanks so much for sharing- it is so easy to get all caught up in being perfect -that we miss the Joy of the season. I find that changing my focus really helps and remembering to be thankful for whatever I do have is huge also. I am teaching these concepts to my 7 year old granddaughter and she is starting to understand. She loves Jesus and actually asked Him to live in her heart when she was 4. She is by no means a perfect angel – but she is a beautiful blessing from God and I consider it an honor to teach her all about Him. The holiday season is a great time for her to learn more about being thankful and loving others.
Thank you for the reminder that as we move through this season it is important to share the reason we are preparing and celebrating. I love that you are encouraging your granddaughter to have a heart for Jesus. Blessings to you!
Wonderful post! The worry bug is especially prevalent at the holidays. We just need to enjoy what we have been blessed with and thank God for every day. Try not to be overwhelmed! Thank you for the reminder! ♥
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by!. Prayers for God’s peace to transcend all of our anxious moments and prevail especially in this season of preparing, waiting and welcoming!
Thank you for the reminder of how not to worry. This last worry episode I had I couldn’t remember verses. I started praying and felt very ashamed that I couldn’t think of anything and then once I let my mind calm from the prayer they started coming back. I was so comforting to have them. Thank you for sharing your heart.
It’s so easy to become frozen in that moment of anxiousness. I experience that often but God’s calm whisper prevails if we only turn to Him. Thank you for your encouragement today. Blessings and prayers for all of us to receive God’s peace in those anxious moments.
amen Sister! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Rachel!
I’ve been practicing many of these lately, Mary, as my diagnosis has stirred anxiety within me. But God has been there–ever present–to calm and comfort me. I’m so glad that you took a step back from the worries of not having a “perfect” Thanksgiving. It’s something I tend to do too. But this is a great reminder to turn to God for that peace that transcends understanding. We all need to remember He has an unlimited supply of peace! Hugs to you, sweet friend!
I cannot imagine the anxiety you have been feeling as you work with a new normal. Learning to let go has been such a process for me but God has been so present in my life and His voice is constantly saying “I got you girl!” I pray you hear His voice daily whispering to you too. Blessings and as always I love having you stop by!
A good tip is when you are in the worry roundabout, start thanking God. It is impossible to worry and thank at the same time”. Thank you Jesus.
What a great reminder, Karen! I certainly will use this when the worry overtakes my being! Blessings!