I've been a worrier my whole life. Biting nails, thinking too long into the night...and at times, feeling that all too familiar weight upon my chest. And while there are all sorts of enjoyable ways to shake off our struggles and distract us from our worries, the fight is not easily won. I don't know about you, but I can't simply apply "Don't worry, be happy!" or "Shake it off!" or "Believe in yourself!" to the inner beast of worry. You see, the root of worry is rarely a simple rearranging of circumstances or fixing of others' perceptions of you; worry is rooted in idols of the heart.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6)
Worry, a sinful trusting in ourselves over a mighty God, stands guard at the doorway of our heart idols: fear, approval, pride, justice, self-sufficiency, comfort, ease. I'm familiar with them all.
The only way I've known to battle worry effectively is only by Grace: to slay the idols of my heart with the powerful love of Him displayed through redemption in Christ, and replace them with the truth of God's Word. Here's where we must preach truth to ourselves. Nothing else will do. Not friends, favor, sunshine, good food, travel, nor new shoes. They all lighten the burden, but only the gospel will throw the weight of our self-suffiency upon Christ, and set us free.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
{While we're on the topic of worry, do any of you entrepreneurs, creatives, or writers ever worry over how to use social media, especially Instagram? How? How often? Why? Is it making a difference?
I'm over at the Hope Writers Podcast episode: Instagram For Writers. Find the full interview with me about Instagram at Hope Writers site (where you can do a trial membership to check it out!
Between book writing, personal circumstances, and the busy Mother's Day season at GraceLaced Shoppe, I've not yet found my rhythm with how to be more present here at the blog; but, I'm grateful that you show up. I'm grateful that you join me here to find GRACE - not self - as the beauty in our everyday.}
Because of grace,
