What Haunts Your Thoughts?
There is much in this world to worry about; crime, the economy, health issues, natural disasters, war and everyday relationships can weigh heavy on our minds. We all could rest easier if the media didn’t constantly remind us that there is trouble everywhere. What haunts your thoughts throughout the day and maybe even keeps you awake at night?
The body has a wonderfully complex nervous system to help regulate voluntary and involuntary actions, as well as thinking, communicating and memory. Without getting into too many more medical details, the sympathetic system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response we have all heard of. It helps us quickly use our energy in an emergency situation.
Most of the time this system all works very well. However, that fight or flight response can be triggered by small everyday stresses that can cause the body to release too much cortisol or stress hormone. This makes your heart beat faster and blood pressure rise which is good in certain situations but too much cortisol over time can cause all kinds of health issues. Aha! The key is to manage our thoughts and stressors.
Worry is stressing about a situation that may or may not occur and it’s always in the negative sense. – Rob Liano
Worry is worthless. It cannot change th past or predict the future. It only spoils the moment. – Darren Patrick
God’s word has a lot to say about fighting the giants of worry,fear and anxiety . The phrase “do not fear” is used 365 times in scripture. He has also provided tools to use against the things that haunt us.
Ephesians 6:13–18 (CSB)
13For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Focus on truth , remember past provision and blessings you already enjoy. God has unconditional love for us and He promises to provide for our needs and to never leave us. Hold up the shield of faith to fight the fear that invades your mind and destroys peace. Pray for the strength to face the facts and discernment to deal with them wisely. Replace the negative chatter that invades your thoughts with words of affirmation.
WORRY ENDS WHERE FAITH BEGINS by the Blythe Family
1.You’re worried about tomorrow and what the future holds Your mind is filled with questions as you face the unknown You’ve spent so many sleepless nights trying to work it out Worry has consumed your faith with all its fear and doubt
Chorus: Worry ends where faith begins When you put it in God’s hands and leave it there…Oh just leave it there He’s still in control so trust in Him and take a hold of faith again For worry ends where faith begins
2. Why should we ever worry why should we fret at all When worry only hinders the mighty hand of God He said it is impossible to please him without faith So lay aside your worry walk on in Jesus name
