Leadership Capacity By Brian HoustonSample

Let go of worry

“Don’t worry about it!” When someone responds with this seeming throw-away line, do you think, that’s easier said than done?  The truth is, when worry is ruling and overtaking you, it is not easy to simply decide not to worry. Nevertheless, worry is a tool the devil uses to take self-control away from you. The Bible commands we “Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). Why? Because worry can quickly deteriorate into anxiety, and anxiety can end up crippling you. The bottom line: Worry is a trust issue. Do you trust God or don’t you? Do you believe His Word or not? Do you believe He will take care of you or not? The real issue at the root of worry is whether or not you trust God. 

When David was a captive of the Philistines in Gath, he wrote, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” (Ps 56:3) If you trust God, you may still feel the emotion of a situation, but when your confidence is in Who He is, you won’t be overtaken with anxiety. It was the very thing that Job feared that ended up happening to him (see Job 3:25). Worry is fear, and fear opens an unseen doorway for the curse to activate in your life. On the other hand, trusting God shuts the door on the devil and opens the way for God’s covenant promises to come to pass in your life. Trusting God is a choice—not a feeling—and that choice will determine the course of your life (see Deuteronomy 30:19).

…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. –1 Peter 5:7-8 (NKJV)

The devil is looking for someone “whom he may devour” – may being the operative word. When we choose fear over faith, worry over trust, we give the devil permission to ‘devour’ us. Shut him down by casting ALL your cares on God and trust Him Who is mighty in His care for you. “Devil… you may not!”

God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.Never hide your feelings from him.6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. - Psalm 34:4-6 (MSG)

A revelation of Jesus and who you are in Him will increase your capacity to trust Him above how you may feel. You cannot grow your capacity without growing your trust in God. If you look down you will be defeated, if you look around you will be distracted and discouraged, but if you look up and beyond the challenges, you will see God above it all.

PRAYER:

Father, I don’t want to be ruled by worry, because when I do, it means that I am not trusting You. Instead, I choose to trust You and believe who You say I am in Christ. Holy Spirit, from this moment forward, help me to cast all my cares upon Your care for me, no matter what.