My mom emailed me this great devotion yesterday, and I found it so encouraging! It is taken directly from here, so click over if you want to read all of it. I especially liked this part:
One day I was reading my Bible and noticed how Martha’s worries were making her weary, and making her wonder if Jesus cared that her sister left her in the kitchen to do all that work, all by herself.
And listen to how He responded: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (NIV)
So, how do we choose what is better? How do we let go of our worries and take hold of confident peace that assures us God notices and God cares?
First Peter 5:7 tells us: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (NLT)
The apostle Paul tells us the same and he tells us how: “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 hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)
It sounds so doable, but why is it so hard? I think it’s because Satan whispers the opposite. He tells us, “Don’t be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn’t listen. And concerns that consume you will become like acid in your heart, eroding your confidence with worry and doubt!”
Instead of giving into the whispers of worry, spoken by the enemy, let’s listen to God’s promise for peace. When we feel overwhelmed by life this week, let’s commit to …
• Stop worrying — Press the pause button on our consuming concerns.
• Start praying — Talk to God about all we’re doing. Ask if there’s anything we need to cut back so we can seek Him as much as we serve Him, and others.
• Keep thanking God — Thank God for what He’s done in the past and will do in the future. This helps us remember how good He is at being God.
How it must grieve God when, after He’s given us everything (including His Son) for life and happiness, we struggle to take burdens upon ourselves, rather than giving them to God who is infinitely more able to know what we need.
I’ve been praying for you guys, Aliesha.