“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)
Distant Memory
Standing in the spot from where this picture was taken, if you squint your eyes and look intently, you may be able to make out the row of windmills that line the ridge of the most distant mountain. And if the atmosphere is just right, though they’re miles away, you can sometimes even see their blades whirling and swirling as they work to capture energy from the wind.
Would it surprise you if I said that there have been times in my life when I’ve been stuck in that very spot? Oh, not physically, but rather, emotionally. You see, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m a worrier! I can be “lying down in green pastures” but instead of appreciating where I am, I’m looking off into the distant future, squinting my mind’s eye, and focusing intently on what may or may not happen down the road. My fears whirl, twirl, and churn a mile a minute and those anxious thoughts capture my energy, leaving me exhausted! Maybe you’re a little like that sometimes, too. So what’s a “windmill of worry” to do?
Plug into the One and Only True Power Source, of course!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)
“I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
How do we plug into God’s power? It’s all about where we’re looking, isn’t it? We need to begin to ask ourselves if we’re focusing on the mountains of potential problems we’ve created or is our focal point the Creator of all, who offers peace in every situation? I’m pretty sure we all know what we should answer and I wish I could say that I’ve reached the point in life where worry no longer demands my attention. I can’t. But, what I can tell you is that I’m not stuck gazing into the distance anymore. Through prayer and study, God is helping me and he’ll help you too, to more quickly recognize when anxious thoughts begin to spin out of control so that we can capture them before being completely blown off course. To “not be anxious about anything” is a process. A process of trust. A process of prayer. A process of turning to God again and again and again… until that glorious day when finally, worrying will be nothing more than a distant memory!
It’s not Friday and I wrote for longer than five minutes, but I’m still linking up with the talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
My hope for this blog has always been connection between you the reader and me; to help each other as we walk this journey. So, I would love to hear how you deal with times of worry in your life. If you feel led, please share your thoughts with me and others in the comments. And I encourage you to click over and read what others have had to say about this week’s prompt “distant”.
Hi Cindy. I’m from a family of worriers too. ha ha But I’ve learned to take my worries to God, tell him that yes, I believe he will handle it and that usually does it for a few hours.. lol Okay, maybe longer. But I usually have to go back to him more than once. Giving up control is a hard thing to do and worrying is built into us for survival. So it’s very normal to be worrying. Just don’t want it to get out of hand. And the Lord understands I think! So keep on plugging along with the rest of us. We’ll get it right eventually. 😀
Giving up control is soooooo hard to do!! Even though I know that God is much better equipped than I am to handle things! Plugging along is what I’m good at especially when I have such wonderful encouraging friends like you! Thanks LaVonne!
Focus on the present moment. It is really all there is. A wise women once told me to turn worry into prayer which is what your quoted scriptures I think are encouraging for worry never changes outcome but does deplete in its presence
Such wise advice! Thank you so much! Yes, I’m learning that as soon as those worried thoughts start lurking about, I need to stop and exchange them for prayer and thanksgiving. I so appreciate you taking time to comment! I value your thoughts very much!