Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. … The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Luke 8:7 & 8:14)
As a clerk on Wall Street at age 17, Thomas Gallagher saved $10 a week to buy Christmas presents. Now 72, a multimillionaire, he still worries if he has enough money. Power, security, self-worth, freedom, and joy aren’t bought with wealth, God gives them freely to His children.
Worries are thorns in our lives. We can’t worry and trust God at the same time. Riches and pleasures can become thorns if not used to produce a good crop.
Heavenly Father, help me accept your gifts of love, power, security, self-worth, freedom and joy so I won’t be choked with worries. Show me how to use those gifts to love others and do your work.
Mom used to say, “Pam, if there is something to worry about, you do.” It is true, I am a worrier. A couple of years ago, I was worried about something. I can’t recall what it was, but most likely this house. It really consumed me with fear and grief. The house was literally sucking the life out of me, both physically and mentally. Even cancer did not have the profound affect on me that this house did. I remember so clearly a conversation that we had. You told me that if I kept worrying that I was not trusting God. You said, “Pam, you can’t have it both ways. You either trust God or you don’t.” I was absolutely startled by your words but you certainly gave me food for thought, and boy did I start thinking about your words. If I give my worries to God, then I have to trust Him to help me. Trust Him! I have been working on this ever since we had the conversation. The tendency to worry did not just disappear but I was working on it. I am still working on it but it is getting better, it is getting easier for me to sit down and take my worries to God. It may take me a few days of praying to truly feel like I am handing Him the problem and trust in Him to help me through whatever is wrong. It feels good and it is liberating to my soul to give it to Him. So my prayer is this. Heavenly Father, thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being patient and loving and allowing me to understand your love for me. Thank you for blessing me with my beautiful sister. She has taught me so much. You have given her a very special ability to share Your love with others and do Your work on Earth. I am eternally grateful for your grace and blessings. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. Yes, you may use any of my messages to you in a book!
You are a worrier! I can hardly wait until you ask me, “Remember when I used to be a worrier?” You can’t worry and trust God, but you also can’t worry and be happy at the same time. And it is important to me that you’re happy. You are not alone in your worries, the Bible talks a lot about worrying which makes me think that most people worry. I worry occasionally. I hope you know you are a huge blessing to me also. The hours I spend researching and writing this blog most every day are worth it because I feel we have bonded more through writing to each other. Thank you for loving me.