In part 9 (click here to read it), We discovered that worry needed to be nipped in the bud, or else we take matters into our own hands. Here we look at the case Christ made against worrying.

These following verses put God’s ability into context and reveal the root of worry and give us everyday reminders that would help us snap out of it. Every time you are tempted to worry, just observe the nearest bird and flowers and let it remind you that you are of much more value than them and if God looks after them He will do no less for you.

1. Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?" (Matthew 6:26 GNB)

2. "And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves." (Matthew 6:28 GNB)

3. "But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers." (Matthew 6:29 GNB)

4. "It is God who clothes the wild grass---grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won't he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! " (Matthew 6:30 GNB)

5. "Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn't forget a one of them. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7 CEV)

Worrying is not an option for us as children of God as it steals our peace and joy. Here how to deal with it. Don’t allow it.

1. "So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?"' (Matthew 6:31 GNB)

2. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 14:1 MKJV)

Think on God’s love, faithfulness and ability to look after you

1. "I know, GOD, that mere mortals can't run their own lives, That men and women don't have what it takes to take charge of life." (Jeremiah 10:23 MSG), so "Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 GNB)

2. "(These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things." (Matthew 6:32 GNB)

3. The LORD guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him. If they fall, they will not stay down, because the LORD will help them up. I am old now; I have lived a long time, but I have never seen good people abandoned by the LORD or their children begging for food." (Psalms 37:23-25 GNB)

Give every care back to Him.

1. "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." (Philippians 4:6-9 MSG)

2. "Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." (Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV)

3. "Pile your troubles on GOD's shoulders-- he'll carry your load, he'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin." (Psalms 55:22 MSG)

4. "Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm." (1 Peter 5:6-10 CEV)

Stress!

What you get from carrying

What you were not made for

Wilting under the burden of care

You insist on holding on to

Beware; it can break you

May be then

You'll give it back

To the One

Whose job it is to handle it?

Till the next installment

Every Blessing

Breadoflife