Thursday, June 19, 2008

Worry Wart



The name-"worry wart"- makes me think of a person running around like a chicken with their head cut off. For some this is what worry looks like. For me it is still worry but it is more of the under the surface anxiety. Sure, I have some MAJOR fears, real, wake you up at night fears (more these days as God seems to bringing them to the surface). But I have found the word 'discontent' to accurately label my mood many a day. You know the nothing put me in a bad mood, but nothing can put me in a good mood thing. Or just the flat out dislike or distrust of the portion that God has given me (psalm 16:5). So, as I am encouraged by my pastor, I am trying to make myself an expert in my area of struggle. That's right, me, the 'Discontentment expert.' I should make a tag. So as an 'expert in training,' here are some of the things I am learning:
  • To start with, Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
  • "Philippinas 4:6 "do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will gaurd your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
  • To paraphrase this... Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.*
  • Our anxiety should be a springboard for praying specifically*
  • "Our part in the process of learning to be content is a heart choice. A choice to pray rather than be anxious." - Linda Dillow
  • Memorizing scripture increases the Holy Spirits vocabulary in your life."- Cynthia Heald
So based on my meditation of these truth's I have come up with this, my own personal definition of contentment.
" A quiet, peaceful, trust in a God who brings His delight in His person, not in circumstances."


I would love to hear from you guys about your thoughts on battling discontentment.

*These thoughts are from Linda Dillow in her book "Calm my Anxious heart."

1 comment:

Amber Bowen said...

Hey Steph! Love the blog! This is definitely something that has been on my mind for a while as I am in a pretty big life transition right now... The phrase that keeps running through my head is actually from a Chris Tomlin song that says, "All of life comes down to just one thing: to know Christ and to make Him known." This really spoke to me as God revealed yet another depth of surrender. This doesn't mean we become apathetic about life, but that our dreams, desires, motivations, ambitions, etc...are redirected TOWARD Christ and Him crucified.