Little Miss Worry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

When I was a child, there was a “Mr. Men” and “Little Miss” book series written by Roger Hargreaves. The characters in the stories had dominant personality traits that either caused them problems or showed another character how to engage in the positive quality. Everyone learned something through the moral lesson of story.

There are many characters, including a Mr. Worry. He worries about everything, and he worries about worrying. Are you a “Little Miss Worry?” Worry is a huge struggle for many women. For me, it feels as though there is a constant battle in my mind over worry.

But we can fight this battle! Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Let’s get out our swords!

We know not to worry, but we also have to know how to replace the worry. On what do we set our minds? Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (Philippians 4:8). We have to change our focus. Think on what is true, not the “what ifs.” Think on what is lovely, excellent or praiseworthy.

Is it sometimes hard to see the praiseworthy things? Think on this: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). We don’t deserve it, but He has made us righteous through Christ. What mercy and grace!

Paul also tells us what we can expect when we pray and when we meditate on God’s Word. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:8). His Peace may not make sense in your circumstance, but you can have it, nonetheless.

Little Miss Worry, are you ready to trade your worry for His peace?

Lord, thank You that you are in the business of giving peace when the tendency of our flesh is to worry. Help us to focus on You and Your Word.

Julie Smith