I am a pretty low-key person, but I can’t even begin to imagine the number of times that I’ve said I’m stressed out or have had a stressful day, especially since having kids. I also tend to worry. So the following verses and thoughts kick me in the butt, in a good way.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” - Jesus, Matthew 6:25
“I look out the window the birds are composing not a note is out of tune or out of place. I walk to the meadow And stare at the flowers Better dressed than any girl On her wedding day. So why should I worry? Why do I freak out? God knows what I need You know what I need!” - Jon Foreman, “Your Love is Strong”“Worry implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it’s okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we’ve been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won’t be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God’s strength, our problems are small, indeed.” - Francis Chan, Crazy Love
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Paul, Philippians 4:4-7
Amen and amen.
