Sometimes I am amazed at just how much imagination resides in my mind. I used to think it was only when my children were living at home but I am noticing these thoughts have not disappeared since they married. And maybe “imagination” is the wrong word. Perhaps the correct word is *cough, cough {worry} *cough, cough.
“Worry” as defined by dictionary.com > “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts”.
Oh my, I do it to myself. I cannot even blame anyone else. The buck stops right here.
Most of the thoughts which flourish in my imagination, or I worry about, probably won’t even ever come to pass. Have you ever noticed that?
- “What if he gets in a car accident and no one is on the road to know?”
- “What if the stress of his job causes him to have a heart attack or a stroke?”
- “How would I get to him in time?”
- “What if she chokes on her food?”
- “What if Jocelyn cracks her head open as she stands on her riding toy and scoots across the family room floor with what had to be record speed?” {{OK, this one does not count because this is a legitimate worry she did attempt this last week}}. And sorry, I did not grab my phone to take pictures for you all to see the panic on her face when she realized it was not a good idea.
- “What if we have no one to take care of us as we grow old?”
- “What if our house floods again?”
- “What if someone breaks into our house while we are asleep?”
And these are the ones I will share. The more ridiculous ones, well, I will keep them to myself and they usually occur after I watch an episode of “Blacklist” by myself 🙂
Here’s the thing about worry … our minds run to the “what if’s” which don’t usually happen. I’m saying “we” because I really need to know I am not alone on this.
His friend Pooh did not laugh at him but after careful thought, responded so wisely, “Supposing it didn’t.”
Rather than letting our worries get the best of us, we need to walk in the truth – our days are in God’s hands. I read this most familiar passage in The Message, where Jesus gives us this wisdom:
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:33-34, MSG)
Did you see the advice right there? “Don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen.” We waste precious time when we get worked up over what may not happen. We have no control either way. What we do have is God’s promise to be right there with us, giving the help to deal with whatever may come.
Today when I start with the “what if’s” and “supposing”, I think I will say to myself …
“Supposing it didn’t.”
And I’ll concentrate on the right now.
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Three Word Wednesday and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention and Wednesday Prayer Girls .
I’m a chronic worrier, especially about my children. I love the conversation here between Pooh and Piglet. Thanks for reminding me I can choose “suppose it didn’t” instead of my normal catastrophic thoughts. As I begin my unplugged days today, that is something I’ll need often as there will be much more time for thinking :).
Candace, as you unplug – may this time of thinking be a blessing for you.
Hi Joanne! I read your ‘about me’ page and it looks like we are fellow “joyful noise” girls. Love your blog here!
I am a big fan of Pooh and Piglet so my little fluff brain picked up on this lesson quickly 🙂 Well, maybe it’s not just because of the 100 Acre Wood. Maybe it’s because I know it.so.well!
I was laughing at your initial terminology of “inspiration” and giving you a “I hear you, sister” at the “comes after Blacklist.” (I had to stop watching that crazy show.)
Love getting to know you through your words and this beautiful blog!
Embracing the Journey,
Christi
Christi, Yes 🙂 we are fellow joyful noise girls. I think there are many, if not most of us, who fall into the trap of “what if’s” being catastrophic. I am finding, more & more, I need to filter what goes into my mind. So glad you stopped here as it is always wonderful to make a new friend! Blessings!
I have areas in life when I am a worrier. I cannot believe that the dictionary used the word “torment”! It seemed like such a strong word, but the more I thought about it…it makes sense. We must lean on our Savior!
Visiting from Women with Intention.
Emily, it’s funny you make mention of “torment” being a strong word as I thought the same thing when I first read it. And then I realized it is exactly what I do to myself. I torment myself with things which may never occur. In the middle of the “tormenting”, I lose sight of the very One who is sovereign of all of my life. You are so right, we must lean on our Savior. So glad you shared!
Supposing it didn’t. Three words but such wise advice. Love this. And I love Blacklist, although I’m not sure I could watch it alone. 🙂 Thanks for faithfully linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday and for encouraging well. xoxo
Kristin, finding there are many who love Blacklist 🙂 I even tried it “on demand” in the middle of the afternoon – same effect. But I’m learning the lesson of “suppose it didn’t” – leaning on Him who is sovereign over all my life. Always good to join you!
My quiet time was on the parable of the Sower today, Joanne. And one of the many reasons Jesus gave for not receiving His “seed” was the “worries of this world.” So if worries have that kind of power to pull people away from receiving Christ’s salvation, then think about what it can do to us who are believers! I really love how you’ve continued to pursue things through the perspective of “Pooh!” He is quite the lovely philosopher and can teach us a thing or two! Yes, looking for the good in every single day is a must! Hugs to you, my friend!
Beth, the worries of the world can surely pull believers into losing their focus, especially when we look at the events of the world. May we keep our thoughts on the One who is in control & remember, “suppose it didn’t”. I am finding myself learning much from my “Hundred Acre” friends 🙂
One thing I learned in a lifetime of flying (as an avocation) is that weather forecasts are seldom accurate. It’s either better, or worse than what they say.
The stuff that’s THERE…that’s what you have to fly through, and it’s solely the pilot’s responsibility to do it.
Andrew, so grateful we know our Pilot as He gets us through all things. Thank you for sharing!
Ah, Jo!!! While driving in the car today, I was speaking to the Lord about the future and the “what if’s” that may occur, and my “concerns” about them. Notice, I didn’t use the word “worry”- but to be truthful, that’s exactly what is was: worry. I have this tendency to think too far ahead, feelingl the uneasiness of what may happen — BUT, “suppose it (they) didn’t?” And to tell the whole story: I did say to the Lord, “My days and times are in Your Hand; I need not worry”. What sweet relief that brings to my spirit….and to read it in this blog just strengthened my determination to continue to rest in Him for ALL things and ALL situations, current and future. You have been a blessing countless number of times! Thank you, Jo!!! Blessings to you!!!! <3
Angela, you hit it on the head. May we remember, “Our days are in His hands” and that means ALL of our days 🙂 There is not one which He is not sovereign. Thank you for encouraging me today! XO