We spend a lot of time worrying about paying bills, work, committments, etc. Jesus tells us multiple times not to worry about anything. Can we really do that?
Being a worrier is human nature. In fact many us worry because we are worrying. It's crazy! Have you spent nights wide awake thinking about what you have to do tomorrow? We all do at some point. But, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 (NIV), "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." So how do we stop the worrying?
Make a list. Keep a notepad handy and jot down things that you need to accomplish. When you have finished the task mark it off and take a deep breath. Now doesn't that feel better? Acts 20:24 (NIV), "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Make "me" time. Read, work on a hobby, or just relax. You will feel less stress, if you take time out for yourself. 1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV), "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching."
Make a payment schedule. Set aside two days a month to pay bills. If you have a goal and stick with it, you will feel more in control of your time and finances. It just makes good sense. Hebrews 13:5 (NIV), "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Organize your chores. Make a weekly schedule of your chores and assign them a certain day of the week. This way you know they will get done, and you will not feel the anxiety of trying to get everything done in one day. One day can be laundry, another house-cleaning, and another for errands, etc. Matthew 6:27 (NIV), "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Count your blessings. When things start to overwhelm you, make a list of all the things you are thankful for, like Jesus, family, friends, your church, vacations, etc., and then a list of the things that are bothering or worrying you. When you compare your list of worries to your list of blessings, which is bigger? Thought so! Focus on your blessings and muddle through the chores. The chores will be done, but the blessings will remain!
