Why do you worry? What possible use does your worrying serve?

Those two questions caught my attention as I read Charles H. Spurgeon’s words in the devotional book, Streams in the Desert.

Why do I worry? As the famed poet once wrote, let me count the ways. I find I worry about way too many things. Most of which I have absolutely no control over. Eliminate COVID-19? Not my specialty, but I can take necessary precautions to keep from catching and spreading it. Peace on earth? Again, my ability is limited. As the song says, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Mr. Spurgeon went on to say, “You are aboard such a large ship that you would be unable to steer even if your Captain placed you at the helm. Do you think all the commotion and the uproar of this life is evidence that God has left His throne? He has not! His mighty steeds rush furiously ahead, and His chariots are the storms themselves. But the horses have bridles, and it is God who holds the reins, guiding the chariots as He wills!”

I love that. The horses have bridles to which God himself holds the reins and guides as He wills. God remains on his throne. He alone is the One in charge.

In the same devotion Madame Guyon states, “I implore you to not give in to despair. It is a dangerous temptation, because our Adversary has refined it to the point that it is quite subtle. Hopelessness constricts and withers the heart, rendering it unable to sense God’s blessings and grace. It also causes you to exaggerate the adversities of life and makes your burdens seem too heavy for you to bear.”

In times of distress and trouble it is tempting to fall into despair and hopelessness. There are times we are to act. There are times we are to wait on the LORD to act. In either situation, we are called to pray. And as we pray, we seek discernment and strive to sense God’s blessings and grace which surround us, even in times of adversary.

If, like me, you are a worrier, why do you worry? What possible use does our worrying serve? Perhaps it’s time we step away from the helm and hand the reins back over to God.

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

God said to them, “Here is a place of rest; let the tired people come and rest. This is the place of peace.” But the people would not listen. Isaiah 28:12 (NCV)

You can find my July Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks.