The Futile Pursuit of Worry

Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would and thus need this counsel. God gave us His Word not for us to use it to bludgeon ourselves or each other, but to instruct, encourage, correct, redirect our missteps, and draw us to Himself.

It’s important to recognize whose voice we’re listening to. Satan, our enemy, attempts to bury us under the crippling weight of condemnation. Whereas the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin so we can repent, receive forgiveness, and freedom. He transforms and empowers us to overcome our obstacles and fulfill His will. When I slip into the mode of worry, God reminds me of His promise to care for us. I can cast my cares on Jesus, and choose dependence, trust, and faith in Him instead.

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?… 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?” (Matthew 6:27, 30 NLT)

We say we trust God with our lives. But do we trust him with our day, our minutes, our every breath? “Which way, Lord?” I ask.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

God’s Word says He’s numbered our days, written each one in His book. His plans for us are good. He created us to accomplish specific work. But sometimes I focus on my weaknesses and forget that it’s in His strength we attain.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

When I fixate on the needs of those around me, the mountain of to-dos, and all my fall-shorts, I feed the frenzy in my spirit and struggle to be still. But His will is that I rest in Him and do the next thing He’s called me to as I peaceably and confidently walk by faith with Him, at the pace He’s set for me. Not someone else’s.

Sometimes the ones we love and pour most into are the ones who cause the most stress and heartache. But then, we are God’s beloved children, and we sure cost Him.

He loves our loved ones more than we do. So why do I often hold on to what I cannot change rather than hand it over to Jesus, who is able, and place my hands in His?

Jesus invites us to bring everything to Him—our little cares as well as the big ones. We can depend on Him.

I love this Scripture. Notice thanksgiving comes before requests.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NASB)

SONG: Overthinking | Samantha Ebert:

We are God’s WIPs—works in progress. He knows our rising and sitting down. He is acquainted with all our ways, Scripture says. (And yet, He loves us!). Our job is obedient submission to His Word and will, to love and praise Him. We can trust His work in us. God calls into being what is not yet. He calls us His masterpieces.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

When I press pause on life—and spend time with Jesus—I find peace in His presence. His Word refutes the lies of the enemy and reenforces my mind and heart with His promises. I’m grateful God is faithful, His love unfailing, and that He works with us and on our behalf. Remind me of this.

1. Make a list of past things God has done for you, both big and small.
Ponder and thank Him for each of them.

2. What worries you?
List your problems and concerns. Beneath them, record Scripture that offers God’s remedies, instructions, and promises for your circumstances.

~~~*~~~

AN INVITATION & REQUEST

The recent evil acts and resulting heartbreaking tragedies in America indicate that the message in my article titled, "Let's Hate Hate—Not Each Other" is more relevant and needed than when I wrote it in April. *Please consider reading (or re-reading) and sharing it.

Let's continue to pray for God's comfort and provision for the loved ones of the victims.
Click HERE to read Let's Hate Hate—Not Each Other
#LetsHateHateNotEachOther
United we stand; divided we fall. Heal our nation, Lord.

#PrayForAmerica
#IfMyPeople
#onenationundergod
#prayforrevival


As he wished, Charlie Kirk will be remembered for his courageous faith in Jesus.
Let us also run well.
#standfortruth
#speakthetruthinlove

Rejuvenate your spirit and hone your craft at Mountainside Novelist Retreat!

Your words matter. Invest in your call so you can more effectively communicate your message

Hosted at Ridgecrest Conference Center in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Black Mountain, NC November 9–12, 2025. Testimonial here: “Is the Mountainside Novelist Retreat for You?”

Call to Register: 1-800-588-7222 (Or register online.)
*NOTE: Online the rate includes room, food, and program fee. (**Register before October 1 to be entered to win gift cards to your favorite writing spots!)

For the most up-to-date information visit their site. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/mountainside-novelist-retreat/

NEW BOOK RELEASES!

100 Prayers for Writers: Creative Fuel for Inspired Work by the inimitable bestselling, award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker, Bob Hostetler ~ God’s presence fell during the first prayer. Buy the book, writer. One for yourself and a few copies as gifts for fellow scribes.

Canyon of Deceit by bestselling, award-winning novelist DiAnn Mills ~ Clean read romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Gideon’s Book, a novel by multi-award winning author Maureen Miller. (One of the most gifted authors and beautiful souls I’ve been blessed to know.)
Three souls searching for purpose and healing. From the sun-soaked beaches of Myrtle Beach to the quiet streets of Eden, North Carolina, Gideon’s Book traverses both time and place, exploring the transformative power of faith and self-discovery. A time-slip novel, Gideon’s Book invites readers to pull up a chair and have healthy, heartfelt conversations about tough issues. Mostly, it points to God’s redemptive character in a broken, imperfect world.

PRIOR POSTS

For the full #HealthyFaithChat schedule on X (Twitter) and a list of upcoming topics please visit our website: HealthyFaithChat.com

Sometimes we need wise counsel.

Help is available from Focus on the Family
1-800-A-Family/ (1-800) 232-6459

In need of prayer? The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s 24 hour Prayer Line is there for you: (888) 388-2683

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© 2025 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On your Heart

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Author: Rachael M. Colby

Rachel M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect culture's questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate. She is an award-winning writer in the categories of articles, poetry, devotions, essays, flash fiction, and children’s picture books. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge (the subject of her WIP) won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a longtime member of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and a protégé in the Cecil Murphey Mentoring program. Rachael's work has appeared on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions, Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, in the compilation books Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry, Defining Moments: Memorable and Inspiring Stories from Outstanding Leaders, and The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey, and in the Oak Ridger newspaper. This Jamaican-born wife, mom, beach bum, artist, and work in progress makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”

6 thoughts on “The Futile Pursuit of Worry”

  1. Thanks Rachael! You warn us not to listen to Satan, and tell us to cast our cares on Jesus. You are clearly a fan of I Peter 5…there must be a connection between these two concepts!

    [1Pe 5:7-8 KJV] 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

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    1. The Bible is one wonderous woven tapestry of truth. And I can’t read 1 Peter 5:8 without hearing the words echoing in the voice and cadence from the movie version of Pilgrim’s Progress!:) Don God’s armor. Wield His sWORD! – Thanks for reading. God bless.

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