I have a confession.
I tend to worry.
(if you were my mother and were reading this you would be nodding your head in agreement)
Especially about medical stuff.
We’ve had our share. Cancer. Hematology issues. Even me and my silly shoulder.
Now with Samuel dealing with his bowel problems I’ve found myself tiptoeing — make that running — to worrying. Google Searching. Wondering. Fearing.
Not praying. Surrendering. Living.
While researching options or possibilities isn’t intrinsically wrong, spending hours of time allowing fear to take over just might be crossing the line into the territory of worry.
Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27
And yet, here I was last night, tiptoeing in Samuel’s room and checking him sleeping. I made that trip three times – in twenty minutes. One time I woke him up just so that I could hold him. I’d like to state it’s because I love to look at that angelic face — which is true — but, I’ve also recognized that I’m fretting over him.
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. Matthew 19:13
Worrying will get me nowhere. Well, it will make the terrible knot in my shoulder worse, but will not succeed in answering the root cause of Samuel’s problems. I simply need to surrender my fear. Let go of the baggage. The answers will come, and when they do we will move forward.
It’s all too easy, at least for me, to switch from spending times on my knees in prayer to sitting in front of the computer screen. I admit it. I want to figure stuff out on my own. I’m stubborn in that way. But, I know, really really really know that the Lord is calling me to remember. To remember that He knit Samuel. That He knows Samuel more intimately than I do. That He knows the answers.
That I’m to rest in Him.
And that’s exactly what I plan on doing.
Right now.
Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
26 comments
Rachel – You don’t know me…I’m Fiveboys (Sue) from Momys. I literally can’t believe what you just wrote – it’s as if *I* wrote those words. WOW did I need to hear that this morning. Thank you so much for the reminder to listen to the voice of TRUTH and not the voice of the internet. Such an AWESOME reminder. Wonderful. Praising God for you this morning.
I do the same thing Rachel. It is all about trusting God, isn’t it? We can say we trust Him, but then to put it into action, is another thing.
In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Is. 30:15
God wants us to keep returning, keep finding rest in Him. He gives a quiet confident heart, he makes us strong despite our intense weakness. You are right to keep returning. Your worries will be changed to peace, I know it.
In am the same way-matter a fact after we got the news that one of the cysts is back in Brandon’s hip I have stressed and worried since Wednesday when we found out. This morning I was watching him walk saying do you think he is limping again to my husband. It will be a long two months till we go back and have it x-rayed again if I don’t let go of it and let God have it.
I can not change it-worry is only making me sick.
I have to let go and let God have control.
The Dr. said to me you know he is still the same boy leaving here as when we walked in we just have the knowledge from the x-ray from today that one of the cysts is back-it is not changing anything at this point. He is not limping or in pain so we wait.
I am a fixer, waiting is not easy for me. Maybe that is what God is trying to teach me.
Do I trust Him-that His ways are the best and higher than mine-that He loves Him more than I ever could-that I would die for Him but that He already did! Brandon may still be the same boy but my God is still the same God before we found out and after do I believe that and will trust that with all my heart?
My fear can over take me or I can live out what I say I have believed since I was 15-that God is my all and all and I trust my whole life-the lives of my husband and children to HIM.
I will be praying for you-I am a terrible worrier-I think it is my mama’s heart-my human part that doesn’t want anything to happen to my greatest loves and joys of my life, my kids.
Praying for answers for you and clarity-most of all for peace and rest and joy for today.
I needed those verses this morning as well-thank you for your post.
Hugs
Jill
um, did i write this? i’m the same worrier. i’ve had to repeat phil 4:6 in my head constantly!
praying for sweet samuel. and for you! may the God of peace dwell in your heart and mind.
I think some of us worry more than others – and often it’s those of us who have gone through big things and realize that we are not immune to the trials of life.
I always get so mad at myself after the fact. I wish I was so full of faith that I could just always KNOW God was in it and that he was working out something beautiful and good… because he always is. Nothing is accidental or aside from God, yet we forget God so easily.
I can SO relate to Paul who says – “the things I want to do I don’t do … and the things I don’t want to do, I do!” Boy, do I ever know what that feels like. That is the story of my life when it comes to worry.
You’ve made the right choice – rest. “Call unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
Here’s a huge hug for you. {{{{Rachel}}}} Prayers are headed up on your behalf as well.
Much love.
Lynnette
PS Sounds like he might benefit from some magnesium glycinate. You can buy capsules, open them up and mix with some honey. I give my little guys approx. 200 mg. a day. People are often low in magnesium because we eat calcium rich diets and our soil is magnesium deficient. Head over and read this article. http://www.mbschachter.com/importance_of_magnesium_to_human.htm
I too fall into this trap that’s not the fear of God, but is the fear from Satan. I really like these two verses . . .
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” PSALM 31: 24 (KJV)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II TIMOTHY 1: 7 (KJV)
Also I really like the Word of God that you shared!!! God’s Word is so powerful!!!
God’s Blessings to you all!!!
Lon
oh sweetie,
we all worry so, confess it as the sin it is,
and then worry again. the endless cycle
of loving so fervently.
my third had the same trouble, and we
tried everything from stool softeners to
diet changes. after much worrying, i told
a nurse friend, who was also a very wise
woman.
she told me to make a chart, and every
time max went to the bathroom, let him
put a sticker on the chart. i thought she
was crazy. how could a chart solve his
terrible, painful constipation?
except it DID! after that, i never under-
estimated the power of a sticker.
love,
lea
Hi Rachel,
I too struggle with worry and I think the only thing we need to worry about is being lazy. If you are not lazy and you are doing everything you can to figure out what is wrong with your sweet Samuel, or any situation, then really you shouldn’t worry because if you have brought this concern to God, which you have, then He will show exactly what is wrong and how to deal with it.
I worry because I don’t what is happening, I don’t know the outcome and really I don’t want to be going through whatever is causing me to worry. :S I am learning to trust God in everything and this is hard because I am a very fast, hyper active person who wants to do everything yesterday. 🙂 I have to slow down and trust Him and let go of worry.
I, and others in this blog world, are praying for you and Samuel, trust God for He is listening and will answer. Maybe not as quick as you would like or in the way that you want but I will guarantee that it will turn out to be even better than you thought possible. Who knows maybe changing the family diet because of food alergies will smooth out issues that you didn’t even know existed. 🙂
Praying for you sister!
<><
Oh my, Rachel, you sound just like me. It felt like I was reading my own post from awhile back.
I have several devotionals that totally apply to this and helps me on a regular basis…they are from Jesus Calling. here is one that I have been dwelling on the past few days:
“Trust Me by relinquishing control into My Hands. Let go and recognize that I am God. This is My world; I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of love. I search among my children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.
When you bring me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before me. Speak to Me candidly. Pour out your heart. Then thank me for the answers I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and on My Promises.”
Here’s the other one:
“I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying “I trust you Jesus” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My soveriegn control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective–through the light of My universal Presence–fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.”
Jesus Calling, January 4th
Hope this helps!
I can fall into worry myself, looking to everyone and everything for the answers and forgetting that My Jesus is the only one who can give me rest. It’s something I’m learning, haven’t in no way arrived at yet. Praying for your shoulder and for little Samuel.
Oh the Peace in Resting In Him! Yet so hard to do sometimes! Thank you for sharing this post of honesty because it obviously touched at hearts today! Mine being one of them!
I know exactly that fear. I’ve been writing about fear/faith/trust on my devotional blog… what a journey it is to learn trust our Savior! I just read Mark Batterson’s new book Soul Print and he quotes Oswald Chambers, “Let God Engineer”. Those words have been my peace the past few days!
I know what you mean about worrying!
I do it all the time.
I usually do it about our finances. I worry about my kids’ health and my oldest in Kindergarten, too, but what I’m going to tell you is from worrying about our finances.
When I feel all the atoms in my body tensing up from fear, I pray, “God, I’m going to trust you. I am not going to worry.” And usually I have to tell myself that 37 times each day.
I think you need to care. You LOVE Samuel. But you are right about letting God be in control and giving HIm even your uncontrolled fears!
So true! it is a mother’s nature to worry stew fret…. Hope you find the rest you need!
Oh my…worry is my middle name and my biggest shortcoming. I try to let go and I have the hardest time. I try and recite Scripture but then the worry thoughts continue to run through my head. I bought a necklace that said Be Still so that I can remember to stop and be with Him and not in that worry place. Answers will come, peace will come…give it to Him.
From one worrier to another, God bless you. You’re on the right track though. 🙂 Samuel is going to be just fine, and so are you. HUGS to you.
I will pray for Samuel – and for you.
Please stay off Google. Just read your bible study instead.
I know the crippling feeling of fear. The enemy uses fear to steal our joy and to keep us from reaching out to God. I know you know that.
Hugs!
I love the amazing way you connect your life to the bible. You always find the most relevant verses. I don’t blame you for worrying and checking on your precious angel though!
So very hard to remember and I’m 47 years old. I seem to think that by worrying, the reason for worrying will disappear. I know that I needed this reminder.
Praying for your sweet baby, Samuel.
Sending prayers for Samuel and to you to help control the worries.
Praying for you and your family…
Blessings & HugsJanet
Thank you for this. What a beautiful truth-filled post.
Suuuuch a great reminder. Worry doesn’t do anything for us. Oh, but how the Father would yearn that we cast our cares upon Him, first. Seems like we (as women, especially) are so inclined to try to figure it out first, THEN we seek His face. Our rest is in Him, though. LOVE this. Thank you for reminding…
I remember always begging God to protect my children when they were away from me. One day I heard him loud and clear ask “are they safer with you than with me?” What an eye opener. Now I simply say “God, I trust you to protect my children, my family.” It brings me less worry, more peace. Perhaps I say it too often….bordering on reminding him. He wired us that way as mommy’s, I do believe!