What Renders Worry Powerless?

Procrastination can become a habit, a way of life, because it is linked to worry and feelings of insecurity. Worry can be a stumbling block to achieving a goal by obsessing about what might go wrong or of failure. Jesus asked, “Why worry? God provides for the birds. How much more will he provide for you?”

Worry distorts the power of an inanimate object or person, which then empowers procrastination. Seneca, the first century Roman philosopher noted, “He will suffer more than necessary who suffers before it is needed.” Wisdom teaches us never to meet trouble halfway but to render it impotent by eliminating it.

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s advice. “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God your needs and thank him for his answers.” The solution to procrastination and worry is trust God’s plan for you. Trust that God is on your side, and he will supply whatever your needs are at this moment.  

 ___________          

Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him.

~Psalm 28:6-7 The Living Bible

____________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Necessary for Happiness

How hard are you working for what you believe is essential for your happiness? In a nation of abundance how difficult is it to "Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God has done”?

A wise person concluded, "He who is not thankful for what he has, will not be happy with what else he acquires." Hezekiah the king of Judah became sick and believed death was imminent. God graciously gave him fifteen more years to live. Interestingly, Hezekiah was too proud to express gratitude to God for healing him.

Before we rail to heavily on Hezekiah, we would do well to be reminded to demonstrate thanksgiving for the blessings we've enjoyed from God. In our hurried lives, it's difficult to remember God, Jehovah-Jireh, “the Lord who provides all good things”. Why not stop for a moment and express your sincere thanks and gratitude to God?  

___________ 

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

~Psalm 9:1 English Standard Version

 

I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song.

~Psalm 28:6-7 Contemporary English Version

____________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Courage Required – God Will Deliver

In times of uncertainty, courage based on faith in God’s goodness and provision is required to overcome anxiety and worry. The Greek philosopher Aristotle listed courage first among the four virtues necessary for happiness and success. The other three were self-control, justice and practical wisdom.

According to C. S. Lewis courage, an integral part of these virtues,  becomes apparent only as it is tested. In the Civil War novel, The Red Badge of Courage, a young soldier faces his first battle. As he calls on every ounce of courage he can muster, fear overtakes him, and he’s compelled to run away and hide.

When Samson was persuaded to surrender and face his enemy, he realized death was imminent and only God could deliver him. Instantly, a glimmer of transforming faith took place based on courage rather than self-pride and arrogance. It takes consent and courage to allow God to change you, so with praise and thanksgiving, do that now.  

______________________ 

Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him.

~Psalm 28:6-7 The Living Bible

_______________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.