Instead of Worry, Remember What God Has Done

In review of Matthew 19:26 this morning I' reminded that  “With God everything is possible.” (NLT)

Jesus explained that "with God everything is possible". Even the rich can enter if God brings them in. Faith in Christ, not in self or riches, is what counts. 

When I’m facing tough times, worry is a natural human response. But, instead of worrying, God wants me to worship. One way I can worship God is by believing who he is and what he can do.

In the book of 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat and Israel found themselves in a tough spot. Three enemy nations were on their way to make war against them.

Though he was afraid, the king’s first response was to gather his people to pray. He stood before the whole nation and prayed aloud. His prayer is a great model to show me how to pray when I feel stressed out and overwhelmed.

First, when I pray during a stressful time, remind myself of who God is. Focus on his strength, character, and power. God can handle anything, including whatever I’m facing right now. In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says, “With God everything is possible” (NLT).

King Jehoshaphat knew this is true. He reminded himself of it as he prayed, “Are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 NIV).

The king’s enemy was coming against him. But he chose to take his eyes off the problem and instead put his eyes on God’s strength and power. He reminded himself of who God is.

After I remember who God is, remind myself of what he has done. Remember when God has helped others and when he has helped me. Recalling those things will give me confidence that God will handle whatever I am facing.

When King Jehoshaphat prayed, “Did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel?” (2 Chronicles 20:7 NIV), he’s remembering when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Jehoshaphat reminded himself of when God had helped Israel drive out enemies before. That gave him confidence that God will do it again.

I should consider what I’m worrying about today? Instead of worrying, spend time in prayer, remembering who God is and what he has done. Believe he can handle whatever I’m facing.

In summary, with God everything is possible. It is faith in Christ, not in my self or my riches, that counts. Worry is a natural response. But instead of worrying, God wants me to worship. One Way I can worship is by believing who he is and what he can do. When the surrounding armies came against the nation of Israel in the story of Jehoshaphat, his first response was to gather his people to pray. His prayer is a great model that shows me how to pray when I feel stressed out and overwhelmed. So when I pray during stressful and overwhelming times, I should remind myself of who God is. Focus on his strength, character, and power. God can handle anything. Then like Jehoshaphat, choose to take my eyes off of the problem and instead put my eyes on God's strength and power. Remind myself of who God is and what he has done. My recollections will give me confidence. So instead of worrying, spend time in prayer, remembering who God is and what he has done. Believe he can handle whatever it is I'm facing. 

There are a few things that I believe I’m worrying about. First involves work. There is a tremendous amount of work and focus on deficiencies and remediation's, along with other impending requests from me with deadlines. Secondly is the pandemic facing our country, state, city and those I know and work with. When I see the hoarding going on at the grocery stores for certain staple supplies, general nervousness and concern about health.

With these I will follow today’s example and pray, “God you are almighty and powerful, you control all things good and bad. You have seen me through many problems and even health concerns and I have not been damaged. I remind myself this morning of who you are and what you have done. I believe you will use the situations at work and this pandemic for our nation to help bring about hope and trust in you. I pray also this morning for wisdom and guidance for my day, my tasks, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.