Concerns. These are matters that
relate to us and we consider important. Things
that engage our attention and make us uneasy or
cause us to become anxious. They are problems
which cause us to constantly worry or lose
sleep. Before we know it we find ourselves
filled with apprehension, distress & fear,
feeling disquieted in our spirit. (Why are
you cast down, O my inner self? And why should
you moan over me and be disquieted within me?
Ps. 42:5-Amp)
It starts with something simple when you
first wake up, like what to wear. Then it
progresses when you see the pile of work on your
desk, and you wonder if you’ll get it all done
before the day’s end. On the way home it
intensifies to the variety of things that
require your attention there. By the time all is
said and done, all kinds of concerns have poured
in, clouding your mind. Unfortunately, none of
them have anything to do with the Lord or the
ministry you should be concerned with.
Some concerns are relevant to everyday life,
however, some can really take care of themselves
given time, or without much thought at all. When
you worry too much, it’s very easy to become a
"Worry Wort". This is a person that becomes a
nuisance with their nagging concerns (especially
to God).
The Word of God tells us in Psalms 138, verse
8 that "God will perfect that which
concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for
ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands".
Please note that most of the time the word
"perfect" is used as an adjective (descriptive),
however, in this case it is used as a verb
(action). Also note, that when a word ends in
e-t-h, this means there is a continuation. So
what the Lord God is conveying to us in His
Word, is that what He has in store for us, is
without a doubt something excellent that will be
a continuous blessing exactly fitting our need!
All we have to do is work diligently in His
vineyard, allowing Him to fulfill His purpose in
our lives. He will take care of the rest.
(But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things (that
concern me) will be added unto me. Take
therefore no thought for the morrow: for the
morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself … Mt. 6:33,34-KJV) Worrying never
accomplishes anything but stress and distress.
God wants us to trust His ever-guiding Spirit.
(Be still and know that I am God…
Ps. 46:10-KJV)
When I was in Florida visiting my sister last
year, she shared something beautiful with me
that the Lord had revealed to her while we were
praying one morning. The Lord showed her that we
were worrying about stuff that only He could
handle, so He impressed upon her how we should
give them over to Him. We wrote a list of the
things we had no control over and folded up the
piece of paper. Next we went to the 99 cent
store and bought two helium balloons. We asked
the woman to slip the folded piece of paper into
each of the balloons before she filled and tied
them up. (Yes, the woman looked at us as if we
were nuts, but we didn’t’ care!) Then we took
the balloons to my sister’s back yard and prayed
that as the balloons disappeared from sight, so
would our worries, fears and concerns. As we
watched the balloons fade away, we began to
praise God for lifting the burden, and by the
time they disappeared from sight we experienced
such freedom that we began to rejoice! It was a
great feeling! I know this may sound a bit
unusual, but it was very liberating. Can you do
this with out balloons? Absolutely! However,
doing something physical, like the balloons,
placing a list in a small box, and having a
burning ceremony (carefully), or simply
praying and verbally making a list can be
empowering.
Paul got it right while he was in Rome.
(And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own
hired house, and received all that came in unto
him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching
those things which concern the Lord Jesus
Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding
him (with boldness). Ac. 28:30, 31-KJV)
The only thing that concerned Paul was what
concerned the Lord! He was content with whatever
God allowed in His life, because he knew he had
a great reward waiting for him, and it didn’t
matter to him what came his way. (Not that
I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content. Ph. 4:11-KJV)
Sometimes our concerns don’t allow us to
trust in the God we serve. He is omniscient,
omnipotent, and omnipresent. Therefore, we must
learn to confide in Him because in Him there is
no disappointment. We have to bear in mind that
if God brought us to it, He will certainly bring
us through it. (Cast thy burden upon the
Lord and he shall sustain thee, He shall never
suffer the righteous to be moved. Ps. 55:22-KJV)
Whatever you need, or whatever your concerns
are, give them over to Jesus, because He is able
to handle them. (But my God shall supply
all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus. Ph. 4:19-KJV)
Scripture Reading: Ps. 136:1-26
