Are Common Sense and Humility required for Success?

Regardless of a person’s heritage, each is endowed with a variety of strengths and weaknesses. Both are activated in every choice and decision to determine what measure of success will be obtained in the time frame prescribed by the Lord God.

Practical intelligence and common sense play a major role in gauging success in a career and in personal relationships. 

Common sense, combined with an innate and acquired intelligence, recognizes that God’s design and plan for each person should be thoroughly pursued. This helps ensure lasting personal peace and contentment.

Humility acknowledges it is the Lord God who gives understanding and wisdom for managing success. Solomon, the son of King David, asked God to help him understand his people’s deeper needs so he could govern them in ways that pleased God. Humility is a character strength that helps ensure success as you endeavor to please God with your life.               

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Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 New International Version

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How Is Success Determined?

What does it take to be successful? However you define success, commitment and hard work are required for being successful. In some instances, success is validated by the smallest measurable time frame. Success may be determined by how well a person manages their strengths and weaknesses.

While intelligence is an important component in realizing personal objectives, other personal factors can sabotage a relationship or career. Children who are not held accountable for their behavior may mistakenly expect indulgence from the rest of society.

Being spoiled is often reflective of a personality where humility is nonexistent. Humility, as designed by God, is a character strength that measures accomplishments and success by means of God’s love and mercy. 

Humility says in effect: I am what I am, I have what I have by God’s grace; therefore, whatever I achieve is a gift from God.  

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Ask the Lord to bless your plans and you will be successful in carrying them out.

~Proverbs 16:3 Good News Bible

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Is Worrying Worth the Effort?

If worrying is basically unproductive and implies that your faith is weak, what is an acceptable alternative? Worry is a strong indication that your faith is being tested. How would you know if your faith is strong or weak unless it has been tested?

So if you are extremely worried, do you need to clear out some debris or garbage you’ve allowed to take up residence in your thoughts and mind? Worry is related to what is beyond your ability to manage, so clear out what is a hindrance to your faith. Put your trust in Jesus.

An alternative to worrying is believing whatever you’re facing will eventually be for your good. That is God’s promise. 

Keep this at the center of your attention until worry and doubt have been replaced by peace. Jesus promised, ”It is my own peace I give to you.” Visualize Jesus doing this. Permit this alternative to worrying to strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.                      

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Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

~Colossians 3:23-24 Christian Standard Bible

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What Is the Relationship Between Worry and Faith?

Do you know someone who could be classified as a worrywart? A worrywart is someone who constantly worries about everything. This affliction is not rare or isolated but is one that may trouble each person at some juncture along the road of life.

Worry is closely related to doubt. D. L. Moody, the 19^th century evangelist speaking on this subject said, “If you pray for bread and do not bring a basket to carry it, you prove that doubt may be the hindrance to your prayers being answered.”

Realistically, there are dangerous situations and people in this world. Still, statistics prove that most of our worries never take place. Jesus specifically challenges in Matthew 6:25 not to worry about your life, for God will provide for your needs. If God provides for all of his creation, including the birds, how much more important are you? May God bless you today as you faithfully and patiently trust him. 

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Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed.

~Psalm 37:34 The Living Bible

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How Much Power Does Worry Have Over You?

What exactly is worry, and why do human beings tend to fall into its grasp? Worry is compulsively imagining situations for which there isn’t a suitable answer or solution. Worrying is agonizing over what should be done to solve an issue.

Worry can annoy others who are subject to the worrier’s moody attitude. Worry is impossible to cover up because the mind is preoccupied with obsessive thoughts and concerns. Worrying has an emotional and mental effect on those in its vicinity.

Have you noticed that when you worry about a situation indefinitely, your feelings react as if that situation has actually happened? The initiator of worry is fear of what you think will probably happen. Jesus cautioned that worrying is unproductive. Ask yourself, “Is God capable of managing this desperate situation?”

Our task is to be patient and wait for him to reveal to us what he will do when the time is right.       

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I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the air….Your Heavenly Father takes care of them.  

~Matthew 6:25-26 Contemporary English Version

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What Have You Gained from Worrying?

Do you believe that some human beings have the tendency to worry their lives away, fearing the future or dreading the consequences of their past behavior? Some worry because their imaginations are fixated on negative thoughts.

So what is an alternative to worrying? Ask yourself: “What is the worst possible thing that could happen? What can I do to cope with these problems productively, and who can help me today?” First, get the facts by asking instructive questions to discover if your worrying has a realistic basis.

The crucial question is, “Do I have control over the object of my worry?” If not, be willing to turn the problem over to others who can be more objective. Then emotionally and physically let go of the issue so God can do his part to help you.

Ask God for faith to trust his ability and wisdom to solve your problems. Pray until you feel safe in God’s protection and care for you.           

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he might exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

~1 Peter 5:6-7 New American Standard Bible

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What Role Does the Imagination Play in Navigating Life?

Children consistently use their imaginations, especially when playing by themselves. In adolescence the imagination helps shape identity by dreaming of future possibilities. As a teenager I pictured myself being the pilot of a jet fighter, but that dream wasn’t meant to be.

The imagination plays an essential role in what we worry about by constructing images of our concerns. The imagination intensifies feelings of worry and anxiety because worry constantly focuses on what is negative and harmful to our sense of well-being.

The tendency to worry is real, yet you have the power to redirect your imagination away from negative thinking. Listen to Jesus in Luke 21:14. “Make up your mind ahead of time not to worry about how to conduct yourself. I will give you words and wisdom that no other person will be able to refute.” Imagine Jesus giving you what you need to face any situation.

           

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Turn your burdens over to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble.

~Psalm 55:22 God's Word Translation

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Is Self-blame Closely Related to Worrying?

As a consequence for not being adequately prepared, a college student may imagine the fallout from having failed a major exam. Should the student blame himself or herself for elevating other activities above preparing for the test? Worry is often connected with self-blame and therefore justified.

Self-blame is closely followed by blaming others for life’s problems. Imaginary conversations with oneself and others is common in attempting to justify and manage our failures. Worry is, in fact, an unproductive means for seeking solutions to unsolvable problems we have created.

Worry steals time and energy that should be directed toward  learning valuable lessons God is willing to teach you. Listen to God’s word from Psalm 34:4. “I sought the Lord and he answered and delivered me.” Trusting in God gives you confidence to go forward and face the future knowing that you are not alone. Believe God is with you.      

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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

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What Can Overcome the Tendency to Worry?

Is it possible for worry to be in control of your attitude? Attitude is a powerful force in determining behaviors that are positive or negative. Worry saps mental and physical energy in addition to obscuring God’s blessings. Worry tends to fixate on what is negative.

I recently heard about a man who lost his family’s restaurant by gambling while trying to win enough money to pay past bills. Imagine the shame and guilt he felt facing his family with such devastating news. Worrying can set in motion risky behaviors and bad choices.

Seeking forgiveness for throwing away what God has provided is where to begin, but this will not negate the suffering you experience for bad decisions. God will provide strength and courage to turn again in faith to the giver of life itself. Take courage, for you can survive with a tiny mustard seed faith. 

God’s power and grace are greater than all our sins and mistakes.               

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation

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What Releases You from the Tendency to Worry?

“If you don’t stop worrying, you are going to make yourself sick.” This statement has relevance and truth whenever  worry is permitted to continue indefinitely. Some physical illnesses as well as stress and mental anguish are caused by anxiety and worry.

Worry is connected to disappointments and a sense of failure to control other people’s ideas, attitudes, and values. The end product of worry is that it dulls your faith in God to provide what you need regardless of its importance. It feels as if you’re alone seeking impossible solutions.

Instead of allowing worry to make you sick, permit God to empower you with a change of attitude that releases the power grip that worry has on you. Accept God’s promise to take care of you through every day in every way. To strengthen your faith, concentrate on the majesty and power of God found in Christ Jesus. He will take care of you because God loves you. 

Believe! He will do it.     

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So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.   

~Matthew 6:34 New Living Translation/The Message

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What Does Worry Have to Do with Frustration?

Worry is closely associated with fear or guilt. Worry can be active below our consciousness even when we’re focused on other activities. Being confronted with a lack of faith in God’s guidance and care, we tend to lapse into apprehensiveness about what will surely transpire in the future.

Worry is allied with anxiety and fear because of our lack of control over other people and events. Apprehensiveness can be relieved by taking action to correct what is wrong rather than obsessing over the problems. This means asking God to help you discover solutions.

Worry creates frustration, which implies lack of trust for God’s immediate help. 

God does expect us to take responsibility for what we failed to do in the past. When you do take responsibility, God will do his part by giving you insight and wisdom for making things right. You can trust God to be faithful to his word when you seek his guidance.  

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Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

~Psalm 37:7 New Living Translation

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What Are the Demands of Frustration?

Frustration can become so constant that you fail to realize the impact it has on you emotionally and physically. We’re destined to experience conflict stemming from other people’s attitudes and behaviors. When too much frustration is layered into our consciousness, overreacting appears unconstrained.

One way to manage negative thoughts and feelings is to change your mindset. This includes believing God is present with you, although it may not immediately seem obvious. Know that you are doing your best and God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself when the time is right.

Dealing constructively with frustration demands learning how to flow with other people’s patterns of life. This means believing you are under the umbrella of God’s protection and he will help you understand what to do differently. Take a moment now to reflect and pray. 

Sensing God’s presence will calm your emotions and give you confidence. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace and patience.                

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Be patient and wait for the Lord to act; don’t be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans. Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble. Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

~Psalm 37:7-9 Good News Bible

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How Is It Possible to Manage Frustration?

Frustration can be used as a positive motivation to make better decisions, to find a new purpose for living as well as experience more enjoyment in each day. Living on the cutting edge of frustration is a recipe for overreacting to the normal issues of life.

In Jesus’ day a Roman soldier had the legal right to command any citizen to carry his backpack for one mile. Walking was the basic means of travel for most people, so imagine carrying a soldier’s backpack for a mile. Jesus instructed his followers to go an extra mile, for then it was a choice.

Choosing diminishes frustration, especially by realizing God is at work to help process what is most important at the moment of frustration. To prevent frustration from producing self-defeating behaviors, realize Jesus is present and active and ready to help you choose at the actual moment of whatever you’re experiencing.  

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The Lord is good to those who hope is in him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

~Lamentations 3:25-26 New International Version

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