One of the things that I have often struggled with is worry. If I’m not careful, my mind can wander and explore the “what ifs” of different situations and before I know it, a worst case scenario is playing out on the big screen of my mind. This is not good or healthy. In the past, I have even worried so much that it made me sick and caused me to break out in hives that sent me to the hospital. Not. Good. At all.
God doesn’t want us to live that way. Jesus came so that we could live a full life, but worry can rob us of that and strip us from all joy and peace. And that’s no way to live!
Since I know that worrying is a weakness of mine, I have to be intentional in moments that I may be prone to worry. Whenever I catch myself slipping into worry or anxiety, I have to stop myself and replace those negative thoughts with God’s Word and his truth. And Bible Journaling has really helped me put this into practice.
Last week my Nana had to have a triple bypass open heart surgery. On the morning of her procedure, I could feel the worry and fear begin creeping in. But instead of just sitting there and giving into those feelings, I grabbed my Bible and supplies, turned on some worship music, and began sketching a scripture of truth.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
As I wrote those words down in the margins of my Bible, the worry melted away and I became hopeful and full of joy and peace. I could feel God’s presence with me in the room, and I knew that he was with my Nana as well. I continued by drawing some violets (my Nana’s favorite flower), and as I did so I remained focused on God’s truth and began praying. Worry was the farthest thing from my mind in that moment. (And I’m happy to report that her surgery went well, and she’s recovering and getting stronger every day!)
I’ve heard it said that worry is a form of negative prayer, and how true that is! Have you noticed that it takes a lot of energy to worry? It truly is exhausting! Imagine if we spent the same amount of time and energy praying that we do worrying. I believe we’d see some big changes in our lives!
Next time that you find yourself slipping into worry, I encourage you to grab your Bible and run to God in that moment.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
– Tiffany
So loved this. You are amazing! Love you my friend :)
Thank you! Love you too, friend!
Beautiful – thank you !
Thank you! <3
Beautiful – thank you !
Love this
Thank you so much!
Your blog post on how not to worry came at the right time for me. My sister had two migraine attacks that have all the symptoms of a stroke. Your writing reminded me that It is in God’s hands.
I am so glad that this encouraged you. Saying a prayer for your sister right now. <3
Thank you for this post, such a beautiful story. I have a worrying heart too and battle with the same problems. This is such a beautiful idea to turn our worries into prayer and Bible journaling! Love your art too!
Thank you! I am so glad that this encouraged you. Bible Journaling truly has helped me with my worry. I hope it does for you too!
Tiffany,
This is beautiful!!!! Thank you for sharing your honest struggles and how you turned that into a prayer to God!
This was just the reminder I needed….I was in tears earlier this morning worrying about my kids. You are so right–“that’s no way to live!” God has it all under control.
I’ve been there with the hives/stress too! Spending time reading the Bible is so helpful and the verse from Romans 15 is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing!