Women’s Devotion: Trusting Through Anxiety
Trusting Through Anxiety
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I have to admit that I am a worrier even if I may think I am not. I tend to worry about our children and grandchildren, our health, our future years, the economy and the future of our country and our world. The news shares all of the negative things happening around us and it just becomes overwhelming. Then on top of that, I worry about whether I am being the person that God intended me to be.
Needless to say, the sermon series “Anxious Days” was quite relevant and helpful to me. Each Sunday brought a new outlook on how to handle those anxious feelings in my life.
God wants us to put our total trust in Him always. He assures us that He will be there with us through each day no matter what and will never leave us. Yes, we will have difficult times and He promises to see us through them. God made us who we are and will always love us as we are. By trusting in Him, we can ‘grow our gifts’ in ways that not only help ourselves but also others.
The last 2 1/2 months have been difficult for me because of an accident that affected my daily routine. Although it could have been worse and so many others have dealt with other far more devastating issues, my independence, so to speak, was taken away. I could do very little for myself and have had to rely on my husband for so much. He has been fantastic and my right hand man! But, at first, it was difficult to always be asking for help. I would have to interrupt what he may have been involved in so he could do a task for me. My anxiety reached an all time new high!
My husband was and is so patient, caring, and loving. God is working through him and showing me it will all work out, things will improve, and I will SLOWLY return to normal. God has also sent family and friends to help out. So many blessings!
Our Grace group is studying the book, Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way of Life, which works along with being anxious. It began with learning about “The Breath.” By learning to breathe in slowly and remember that our life is a gift from God, we can fill our hearts with gratitude. By allowing ourselves to take time to breathe in moments of each day and relax our thoughts to the present, we can begin to release those anxious feelings that we have. Taking the time to do this each day can bring us closer to God and cherish the life and moments that He gives us.
Will I still have ‘anxious days’? Of course I will — that’s life. The answer to ‘am I who God intended me to be’ is YES — I am a child of God and He loves me always.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your overwhelming love. Guide and guard us each day as we learn to overcome our anxieties and learn to put our trust in you so that we may let our light shine and help others in need.
Amen
This month’s devotion was written by Mary Plageman, a member of Sheridan’s Women’s Ministry Team. Mary and her husband, Ron, have been members of Sheridan since 1974. They have been married 51 years (come this August) and have two sons, Nate and Brendan. They also have four wonderful grandchildren, Cora (8 yrs), Owen (7 yrs), Damon (5 yrs) and Vera (3 yrs).
She retired from teaching first grade in 2011 and now loves to travel, read great books, spend time with the grandkids, enjoy time with family and friends, and wonder how she got everything done before! Mary and Ron love Sheridan and all the wonderful people who are their special extended family!