Worry sees the problem, faith sees the God!

I often feel like I’m a broken record with my favorite quote “Pray or worry, but dont do both”

I have uttered that phrase to myself countless times and repeat it to anyone who will listen, whenever the situation calls for it. 

Pray or worry – but DONT. DO. BOTH!

Because worry – sees the problem. It thrives on doubt & uncertainty of God’s love and goodness over us. Worry takes your gaze away from the foundation of your faith and puts it smack dab in the heart of fear. 

Worry tells God that you don’t trust Him to have your best interest in mind.

Now hear me when I say this – your best interest doesn’t necessarily mean you get what you want! 

I often get frustrated or disappointed in God and think He isn’t looking out for me when things don’t go as I want them to.  Do you feel that way too?

“God shows his love for me when things go right in my life” –  and then when things go wrong, “clearly God isn’t around. Why is he doing this to me?!!”

Which… I mean I know its not true! Of course, God loves me when things go right AND wrong.  He’s probably closer to us when we are amid hardship “God is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalms 34:18).

But this idea that God is far from me when I am struggling – that disappointment shakes my faith and creates cracks in the foundation. The more cracks, the weaker I get – and the weaker I get, the more worry takes hold and fear runs my life. 

But FAITH… 

Faith sees the problem, the hurt, the obstacle and says “I trust that God will see me through this and that He has the best outcome in store for me despite this current circumstance”

Faith gives God control over your life and frees you from fear because you KNOW that God’s love for you is stronger, bigger, and more powerful than any temporary situation (no matter how awful).  You tap into your faith when you are struggling and scared & hurting. Remember how good our God is and he would never leave us in a place of pain –  but he might place us there for a good reason. Dont discount that some of the most powerful tools are forged through fire. 

Worry sees the problem, Faith sees the God.

What do focus on when you are in the midst of a hard season? Do you focus on the challenge, the hurt, the fear, and the unfairness of it all, OR do you focus on God’s great love for you and the truth that “all things work for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose”? (Romans 8:28)

My prayer for you today is that you pray instead of worry  – that even in the darkest moments, you tap into your faith to see Gods love in your life rather than focus on your problems.  And that maybe, while this hurts right now, God is setting you up for something truly spectacular. Try not to worry in the meantime. We’ve got this because God’s got us! 

XO

Tay