Tag: worry

encouragement, inspiration

He Watches Me by Tammy Nicole Glover

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He Watches Me by Tammy Nicole Glover

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26 KJV

I woke up this morning at four o’clock. It seemed to be for no other reason than my bladder holding me hostage from sleep. I dragged myself to the bathroom and my mind immediately started to flood with worries. I could feel my chest tighten and my breathing become labored. Anxiety was rearing its ugly head. I took a few breaths and told anxiety, “not today, in the name of Jesus.” Outside, I could hear birds chirping away. The sun wasn’t even up yet but they seemed to be singing praises to God.

I remembered just three years ago, waking up at 4am. Instead of hearing birds chirping, I heard satan’s lies. Overcome with depression and anxiety, all I could hear was, “you’ll never get out of this situation. You would be better off dead.”

I was so deep in sin and so far away from God, it was easy to believe the lies. At that point, I thought God hated me. I believed if I died, I would be in peace. Mercifully, God was still watching me. One day, I heard His voice telling me to repent and be baptized in His name. There is no peace apart from Jesus. I realized He still loved me.

Love isn’t seeing someone walking towards the edge of a cliff and looking the other direction because that’s what they want, and it seems to make them happy. I was at the edge of a cliff. I thought falling off would make me happy. Instead of looking the other direction, Jesus called me, and I answered.

Now today, at four in the morning, satan is still trying to convince me to kill myself, but this time, spiritually. The difference this morning, is I’m baptized in the name of Jesus, filled with His Spirit and I have a heart to serve Him and be Holy. This morning, the still small voice of Jesus inside me is louder than the enemy’s. I clearly hear Jesus saying, “I am in the midst of you, daughter. Abide in me and I will abide in you. Apart from me, you can do nothing, but in me nothing is impossible.”

God’s eye is indeed on the sparrow. I know He not only watches me, but He is in me. I hear the birds praising God in the darkness and I’m praising along with them.

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A Reminder to My Future Self By Tammy Nicole Glover

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“They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair on their heads singed, their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Daniel 3:27 NIV

Dear Future Self,

So, another problem popped up and threatens to overcome you. Don’t panic! You’ve been through this before. It may be a different problem that looks bigger but God has not grown smaller, nor has He changed. He is still the Lord God Almighty, who has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. He is still the God who promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Don’t forget His commandment for you to be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. He is with you. (Joshua 1:9)

My beloved future self, don’t doubt God’s love you. He has not removed His mighty hand from you. Surely, you can remember how He delivered you from the last crisis. He not only restored you but He placed you in an even better position than before. You were so blessed that you were able to help those around.

Dry your tears and be of good cheer, for Heavenly Father sees all and will answer your call. God is good, faithful and full of endless love and mercy. Now, is not the time to have a pity party. It’s time to praise God for your victory.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV

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Time Stealer

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I take my prayer time very seriously. In that time, I’m restored. My tank is refilled with love and encouragement. I receive wisdom and clarity. Not to mention, all of the people I help by praying on their behalf.

Lately, I find that my precious prayer time is being stolen. The culprit: worry. Instead of focusing on a Mighty God, I find myself focusing on mounting problem. Instead of thanking God for His blessings, I’m trying to find solutions to every real and perceived crisis that keeps popping up. When I realize what’s happening, I cast my cares on to the Lord but foolishly I pick them right back up and play with them in my mind. Before I know it, I’ve spent 30 minutes worrying instead of praying. I end up exhausted and feeling stressed and hopeless.

What does it take to get through my thick skull that God has me covered? He already has my problems figured out. There is nothing too big for Him. It’s time to reclaim what has been stolen. It’s time to give God praise for the victory.

“Can any one of you by worry add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV

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Secret Weapon

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An excellent weapon against worry is prayer, especially praying for others. It’s hard to worry about your problems when you focus on the needs of others. Praying is an act of love and love casts out fear. It also opens the door to blessings in our lives. When our focus shifts to the needs of others we are also reminded of our current blessings. We create a thankful heart that is open to receiving more blessings. We are also sowing seeds for others to pray for us when we are in need of prayer.

You don’t need to wait until someone asks you for prayer, just look around and you’ll see that there are always plenty of opportunities to pray for someone. So, if worry is weighing you down today, take out your secret weapon and pray for someone.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

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WHY DO YOU WORRY

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Worry has absolutely no redeeming qualities. It doesn’t foster positive change nor does it provide a sense of well-being. In fact, it weakens the heart and causes confusion.

Trusting in God, on the other hand, has miraculous benefits. It strengthens the heart and promotes positive change. It brings peace and stability. Why would anyone choose worry over trusting an Almighty God who loves them and is more than able to provide for all of their needs?

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV

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KICKING THE HABIT by Tammy Nicole Glover

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

I am a worrier and I am exceptional at it. I can worry with the best of them. I didn’t think anything was wrong with worrying, until it started to take over my life. I couldn’t go a day without worrying. I even based my decisions on my worries.

What I didn’t realize was that by worrying I was telling God that I didn’t trust Him and I believed that I could handle things on my own. How could I not trust the One who has provided for me better than I could ever imagine? What on earth made me think that I could handle things better than the Creator of the universe? Worrying was a burden that I was never meant to bear.

It’s time to step out of the role of worrier and into the role God actually meant for me to be in, the role of a conqueror. When worries come it’s not my job to hold them inside. It’s my job to turn them over to God, the Lord Almighty. I can’t do this alone. I need the One, who through Him, all things are possible. It’s time to kick the habit of worrying.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

*you can get a daily dose of encouragement everyday on Facebook @ Balm4theSoul

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The Ones I Let Go by Tammy Nicole Glover

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“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22 NIV

To the ones I let go,

First of all, we were never friends. All you did was cause me misery, sickness and a lot of sleepless nights. Faith finally helped me realize that I didn’t have to put up with you any longer. I could have better friends like Joy, Mercy and Love. Now, when people see me, they see them and they want to be around me. I’m no longer bringing others down. I’m proud to say that I am now encouraging others to let go of their worries, anger, guilt shame and depression. There is enough faith, joy, mercy and love to go around.

I know you were confused when I casted you away. My Heavenly Father, also known as, El Shaddai-God Almighty, told me to cast you into His hands. He is more than capable of taking care of you. I will not be telling him that I miss you because I don’t want you back. I’d be lying if I said that I was sad about that. You were all burdens that I was never meant to carry.

Goodbye forever.

Sincerely,
Faithful Believer

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 NIV

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The Cast Away By Tammy Nicole Glover

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

My Dearest Friend,

What has happened to us? We’ve been inseparable for so long, I didn’t think anything could tear us apart. When people saw you coming, they saw me. I’m so confused. What would possess you to cast me aside like this? How could you throw all of our years together away like this? What are you going to do without me?

I bet it was that Faith causing all this trouble. I knew it was trouble the moment I saw it lingering in the shadows, just watching and waiting for you to notice it. Once you noticed it you have been a completely different person. I don’t like it. I miss the old you. The one that hung out with me all the time and didn’t ignore me.

It’s ok though, someone who calls himself El Shaddai caught me while I was drifting aimlessly with your other friends, Anger, Fear, Guilt, Shame and Depression. What a bunch of clowns…how could you hang out with them? Anyway, El Shaddai is taking real good care of us now but he won’t let us run back to you. If you just tell him that you miss us, I’m sure he’ll let us come home. Don’t you miss us? Why can’t we come back home? How are your new friends better than us? What does Faith, Joy, Mercy and Love have that we don’t have?

Maybe one day you’ll let us come back home. It’s ok we’ll wait for you.

Sincerely,

Your Worries

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27 NIV

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BUT GOD… By Tammy Glover

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“They were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” Psalm 107:27-28 NIV

Fear gripped my heart. Worries left me confused and weary. My eyes were swollen from the constant flow of tears. Deceived into feeling like I was alone, I was ready to give up, too beat up to fight anymore–but God stepped in.

He took my right hand and pulled me to my feet. His eye was always on me. His arms are firmly wrapped around me. His light illuminated all the dark areas of my life. His love strengthens me. His Word refreshes my soul.

I trust in Him, the One who is mightier than any problem. He wipes away my tears and whispers in my ear, “I am here. I have not and will not forsake you. I love you.”

Praise God that through Him all things are possible, even freedom from my worries.

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116: 1-2 NIV