WORRY AND WONDER

Andy and I were in the car yesterday talking about the next few weeks and months.  He was saying he wasn’t sure how we would handle certain things and what will we do about this or that.  I told him not to worry things work out.  I reminded him that when we obey, God takes care of the rest.

Later, I was telling my daughter, Cheryl, about the conversation and Andy’s concerns.  I told her that I had assured him he was not to worry because if he was worrying he couldn’t be praying.  Those two do not mix at all.

Of course we do have to give Andy a little break here, after all, he is still on quite a bit of heavy medicine for pain. He is not quite himself.

During my conversation with Cheryl I started to tell her I had been wondering about – and before I could finish she said, “Mom, you just said you told Dad not to worry.” At that point I tried to explain to her the difference between worry and wonder.

Worry and wonder are two opposites.

Worry says:  Oh my goodness, what am I going to do – How on earth am I going to fix this – I don’t know how this is going to work– I have to figure out a way out of this – I can’t see how … – I need too…  Worry just goes on and on.  The complete focus is on the problem and how I am going to deal with this or that.  It eats you up trying to know what, when and how to do something.  It takes over your thoughts and can easily consume you. It wears you down and in the end one is worn out, frazzled, confused – nothing accomplished, nothing changed.

Wonder says: What are you up to God?  How are you going to use this in my life?  Where is this leading?  Which path are you taking me down?  Is it a new one or are you just stretching me and growing me?  What do you want me to learn from this?

Worry is when the person is depending on their own resources and human perspective. Worry is I focused, problem focused. Worry is looking inside trying to figure it all out in advance, expecting and anticipating problems that may or may not happen. Worry is a waste of time and energy.  Worry can lead to panic and stress.

Wonder is when the person looks to and depends on God.  Wonder is GOD focused – period! Wonder is looking for God’s perspective in what’s happening. Wonder knows God is in control and has a plan and a purpose for all things.  Wonder is living though an exciting adventure that just expects God to do the unexpected.  Wonder knows that God knows the beginning from the end.  Wonder watches with peace and confidence as God leads.  Wonder always leads to peace and hope.

Worry is man’s way, wonder is God’s way!  Which way are you going?

Deuteronomy 31:8   (NLT)

⁸ Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

 

Psalm 37:5   (NCV)

⁵ Depend on the Lord;
trust him, and He will take care of you.

 

Psalm 32:8   (NLT)

⁸ The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.    I will advise you and watch over you.

 

Psalm 121:5   (NLT)

⁵ The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

 

Psalm 33:22   (NLT)

²² Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in You alone.