Feeding the Fears

"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27)


The truth is that whether we are sick or healthy, there is nothing we can do to add a single hour to our lives. So why do we persist in worry? Why do we feed our fears?


We want to be in control. We think we have to DO something. We worry when we don't know what else to do. Worrying attracts others, which feeds our ego. Not worrying requires vigilance on our part which is hard work.


We are in a phase of Glenn's treatment now that has many unknowns. The type of radiation, the length, the effectiveness are all unknown. The preparation results in his metabolism grinding to a halt which I am told akin to feeling like you have the flu. All of these factors provide the perfect climate for worry...for feeding our fears.


Paying attention to what we are thinking matters. Zig Ziglar says, "We all need a daily check up from the neck up to avoid stinkin’ thinkin’ which ultimately leads to hardening of the attitudes."
Worry is "stinkin thinkin". So what are we to do? The key is found in the words of James, chapter 1 verse 5...If you don't know what you are doing pray to the Father. He loves to help.


When we pay attention to our thoughts and catch ourselves "in the act" of worrying and offer a simple prayer of "Help", the cycle is broken. Now we may find ourselves doing this many, many times through out the day...it's OK! There is no limit on asking God for his help!


In doing so we can let go of circumstances over which we have no control. We let the burden of worry and fear of the unknown slide off our backs.
In other words...we can stop feeding our fears...grace and peace to all...


(Admittedly there are some interesting (and sometimes provocative) photos on Facebook. This photo was posted on a friend's page but regrettably there was no credit listed. This is not my original work.)