Tuesday, 29 May 2007

worry wart

Thought I would share some points that I picked up when I was reading a chapter of 'Tired of do-list christianity?' by Scott Morton. The chapter was on worrying. I have always thought myself to be pretty relaxed with a she'll-be-right attitude to most things in life, but I have recently come to realise that I am really a closet-worry-wart who is probably too proud to admit that she has plenty of things to worry about. This chapter confirmed it and taught me more about this disabling condition.

OK main points in this chapter:

  • Worry is a sin (Luke 21:34). Worry is different to concern. Often we as Christians will say 'I'm not worried, I'm concerned' but concern can be a disguise for worry. Morton says Concern leaps to worry when we take circumstances into our own hands rather than looking to God for His grace. Concern plua God's grace equals peace. Concern plus my coping mechanisms equals worry.
  • Jesus tells us three times 'Do not worry' in Matthew 6:25-34. But also gives us reasons why we shouldn't worry: (1) vv25-26 because our Heavenly Father cares for us, (2) v27 because worrying won't change anything, (3) vv31-32 God knows what we need
  • Morton says: Worry is a symptom of giving in to the fear that lurks behind it. Worry is choosing to fear rather than to trust. And that's why it is a sin.

So now that we know why worrying is a sin, what can we do to stop worrying - it seems almost automatic at times and sometimes goes undetected until it takes over every thought. Well, Morton offers the following suggestions as to how one can overcome this problem of worrying:

  1. Identify when you are temmpted to worry and bring it to God immediately
  2. Be thankful (Philippians 4:6-7). Saying 'thankyou' in faith brings peace.
  3. Limit mental arguments (e.g. replaying the circumstances over and over in your mind).
  4. Realise that most 'what-ifs' never come to pass.

Well that's all I had to share on that. This book has been a blessing to me so far (still got a bit to go), and if you are interested, it is definitely worth a read. A lot of the time, we become victims of Christian myths that hold us captive and stop us from growing and doing more for God and this book really helps identify them and gives practical steps to overcome them too.

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Tuesday, 29 May 2007

worry wart

Thought I would share some points that I picked up when I was reading a chapter of 'Tired of do-list christianity?' by Scott Morton. The chapter was on worrying. I have always thought myself to be pretty relaxed with a she'll-be-right attitude to most things in life, but I have recently come to realise that I am really a closet-worry-wart who is probably too proud to admit that she has plenty of things to worry about. This chapter confirmed it and taught me more about this disabling condition.

OK main points in this chapter:

  • Worry is a sin (Luke 21:34). Worry is different to concern. Often we as Christians will say 'I'm not worried, I'm concerned' but concern can be a disguise for worry. Morton says Concern leaps to worry when we take circumstances into our own hands rather than looking to God for His grace. Concern plua God's grace equals peace. Concern plus my coping mechanisms equals worry.
  • Jesus tells us three times 'Do not worry' in Matthew 6:25-34. But also gives us reasons why we shouldn't worry: (1) vv25-26 because our Heavenly Father cares for us, (2) v27 because worrying won't change anything, (3) vv31-32 God knows what we need
  • Morton says: Worry is a symptom of giving in to the fear that lurks behind it. Worry is choosing to fear rather than to trust. And that's why it is a sin.

So now that we know why worrying is a sin, what can we do to stop worrying - it seems almost automatic at times and sometimes goes undetected until it takes over every thought. Well, Morton offers the following suggestions as to how one can overcome this problem of worrying:

  1. Identify when you are temmpted to worry and bring it to God immediately
  2. Be thankful (Philippians 4:6-7). Saying 'thankyou' in faith brings peace.
  3. Limit mental arguments (e.g. replaying the circumstances over and over in your mind).
  4. Realise that most 'what-ifs' never come to pass.

Well that's all I had to share on that. This book has been a blessing to me so far (still got a bit to go), and if you are interested, it is definitely worth a read. A lot of the time, we become victims of Christian myths that hold us captive and stop us from growing and doing more for God and this book really helps identify them and gives practical steps to overcome them too.

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Labels: ,