Letting go of worry

Good morning, all!  It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is two weeks away!  I hope each of you are planning to spend quality time with your loved ones and in the process, take a moment to reflect on the things you are thankful for in your life.  

In addition to being a time to be enjoy family, the holidays tend to bring additional emotional and financial stress to our lives.  This year, I have decided to focus on the positive and not allow the worries that may cross my path to steal my joy and happiness.  That may not always be easy but if we decide in advance that this will be our approach, our days will be filled with more happy moments that those filled with stress.

One of my favorite inspirational speakers is Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.  I receive daily inspirational emails from him, and am sharing today's message below.  Hope it makes your day a little brighter!!

Refuse to Worry 

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NLT) 

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria:
God doesn’t want you to live worried and anxious about anything. He knows that worry is counterproductive. It steals your peace and joy and affects every area of your life — your sleep, your health, your peace. Worry steals precious moments of time that you can never get back. 

Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Don’t feed worry by focusing on bad news all the time. Sure, we should be informed, but we should be more informed of the truth of the Word of God. Feed your faith by meditating on His Word and fill your heart and mind with God’s promises. Declare every day, “My God shall supply all of my needs. He makes a way out of no way. He is the Restorer and Redeemer.” 

As you focus on God’s Word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy. You’ll experience His peace and joy and move forward into the blessings God has in store for you! 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY  

Heavenly Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. Help me to totally trust in You today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.  — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Seven reasons not to worry (according to the book of Matthew Chapter 6) The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life (6:25) Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today (6:26) Worrying is more harmful than helpful (6:27) God does not ignore those who depend on him (6:28-30) Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God (6:31, 32) There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them. (6:33) Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. (6:34) Love & Peace to all!