When I was in my quiet time this morning, I began to study worry. Prior to studying, I was praying and I began to vent to God about a few things that were coming my way. Nothing big, just a few things that were coming up and I was uneasy about how I was going to go about doing them. He asked me, “Why are you worrying about these simple things, Heather? You are not an orphan.”
Errt.
Stopped me right in my tracks. I am adopted. I was in foster care for 6 months prior to adoption into my amazing family. I am very familiar with how an orphan feels from the rejection, abandonment and neglect that I felt even as a child that showed up in my adult hood. So, I want to explain it to you way that the Lord showed me this morning.
Let’s look at the definition of an orphan:
- child deprived by death of one or usually both parents
- a young animal that has lost its mother
- one deprived of some protection or advantage
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Do you see verse 32? It says that THESE THINGS dominant the thoughts of unbelievers! An unbeliever is spiritually orphaned and without Christ. God is saying, WHY are you worrying about these things??
As I read Matthew 6:33 – I heard the Lord say, “When are you going to finally seek first the kingdom of God and let everything be added onto you?” The problem is we are seeking first affirmation from people on social media, we are seeking first a man, seeking first a relationship, seeking first climbing the corporate ladder, seeking first money, seeking first power, seeking first the “added” and ignoring the One who gives it to us.
It’s time to stop seeking this world. It’s time to stop worrying about silly things. Your worry is ruining your witness because it’s showing to others that God cannot be trusted and we KNOW that God is NEVER-FAILING. It shows that you have anxiety over a tomorrow that never even happened. It shows that you place more faith in your situation. It affects your physical health. It’s sinful because it produces fear. It robs your faith, peace and joy.
You may be saying, “But how do I break free?”
- I first encourage you to run to the feet of Jesus wherever you are and repent from worry. Tell Him that you are going to trust Him, one minute at a time, everyday of your life. Don’t rush ahead of yourself and get frustrated. Just take it one day at a time. Ask Him what boundaries you need to put up to protect your heart from worry.
- Guard your heart. Reading every sad story about people dying may produce a fear in you that something will happen to you or a loved one. Understand that your days are numbered on this earth and stay close to God. When that day comes, it will be your set time and your families time. Cling to God. Protect your heart from sad stories.
- Spend time with Jesus. The more you spend time in His word, then the more clarity He will give you about your life and future. Whoever you’re spending time with will either encourage or discourage your faith. Spending time in prayer, reading your bible and worshipping our Lord will only bring peace and direction!
- Of course, seek first the kingdom of God. In my life, it’s making sure that I’m seeking the Lord in all things and not looking at the situation but looking to Him. I don’t seek first opportunities. So, what is God telling you to do? Do that. If you’re not hearing anything – be still and know that He is God. My heart is pure and my motives are clear. I only want what He wants for me. Nothing else.
- Don’t become obsessive over things. For example, if you are working on becoming debt free – you could silently make it an idol. Especially if God is telling you to give or do something that messes up your budget. Plan ahead, but don’t be crazy obsessive over things on this earth. It will take the attention away from God and then you will go into “control mode.” You will act like a control freak and the second something doesn’t go your way, you will start to worrying. If you don’t have enough to pay a bill, what is worrying about it going to do? James 1 tells us that if we lack wisdom, to ask God and He will show us what to do. But we must not be double minded in asking. So, seek the Lord. Heather, He hasn’t shown me!?! Well, I have been there. Be still and know that He is God. Pull those scriptures out and stir yourself up in the Lord.
I pray that this encourages you. Let’s stop seeking stuff. Let’s stop seeking numbers. Seeking whatever else and truly seek the Lord and it starts with Jesus. Let’s stop even seeking to figure out life. Let’s stop seeking to control our lives. Amen?
Amen.
ANDD, sorry I have been neglecting my blog! I had a huge deadline for my new book coming out, “The Pressure Trap” and I cannot wait to share it with you all. This is for anyone who is feeling pressured by society to be something that they’re not. Preorders start on April 13th! Ahh! Find the book here on that date: www.pinkypromiseboutiques.com
Few Things:
1. The 2017 Pinky Promise Conference was EVERYTHING!!! Like literally. ” Registration is open NOW for the 2018 Pinky Promise Conference with Sarah Jakes Roberts! www.pinkypromiseconference.com
2. Ah, I’m SO excited that the Pinky Promise Movement page has a new look! Check it out HERE.
3. ALSO, the Pinky Promise Boutique has a new look too PLUS a ton of cute MODEST, FAB, CLOTHES, jewelry, promise rings, clothes, journals, etc! Check it out HERE.
4. Be sure to check my calendar to see if I’m in your city soon! (under Calendar)
5. Are you in Atlanta? Come and visit our church! We are in Sandy Springs! The Gathering Oasis Church – we meet at the Galloway Private School in the Amphitheatre. 215 W Wieuca Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30327 every Sunday at 10AM EST.
5. My New Book, Silent Seasons was on the Amazon Best Seller’s List as the #1 in New Releases and in Religious for 5 weeks! ahh!! Find it HERE. or on Amazon/Kindle/Ibooks/Audio Book.6. Oh yeah, we started a BRAND NEW VLOGGING CHANNEL! Be sure to subscribe + check out the newest surprise in our sweet family! Subscribe HERE.
P.S.S. I am 24 weeks pregnant now with baby #3. Ahh! God is good!
God loves you like crazy,
Love always,
Heather Lindsey
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