Do you have a problem with worry? Maybe you are exhausted from worrying about everything from your family to the economy to the condition of the world. Join me for a 40 Day Challenge starting Monday, June 18th, and let’s wage war on worry!
We’ll practice some of the training tips in my new book Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God. I will “coach” you through a series of steps that will help you grow closer to God through prayer, and in the process, kick worry to the curb.
There is no cost for this on-line study other than the purchase of a book. Simply sign up at the bottom of this page to follow my blog and you’ll receive regular updates and training tips to help you discover how to overcome worry through prayer.
I didn’t have to learn how to worry. It just came naturally as a by-product of an overactive imagination, a curious mind, and a relentless memory. Marriage and a family only brought more responsibility, and therefore more things to worry about. I agree with my friend who defines worry with the acronym: W.O.R.R.Y: Worry-Only-Robs-Rest-from-You. It’s true. Worry is exhausting.
I was inspired by Paul’s letter to some persecuted Christians. They were always in danger of getting killed, and therefore had lots to worry about. “Don’t worry about anything,” he encouraged them. “Instead, pray about everything.” I was struck by the word instead. Paul didn’t just stay stop worrying. He said, instead of worrying, pray. It seemed to me like he was saying to redirect the energy of worry into prayer. Maybe I could use all that furious energy of anxiety to work for me instead of against me!
I understood that concept. It sounded a little like a trick I had learned back in high school when I took karate in between my sports seasons. I was taught to use the enemy’s energy against him. A violent attack could be redirected to incapacitate my attacker. The Bible reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle. “Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” Paul adds. “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT).
Reminder: When you are tempted to worry this week, try redirecting all that energy into prayer!
marilynn chadwick 
June 4th, 2012 at 11:49 am
I DIDN’T THINK I WAS A PERSON THAT WORRIED BUT AFTER READING YOUR POST I THINK I NEED THIS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS AKY
June 10th, 2012 at 12:30 am
I am looking forward to this challenge! I just received your book a couple days ago and it is wonderful!! It has taught me so much just in the 4 short chapters I have read so far! I have had a daily quiet time and devoted myself to personal Bible study since coming to faith in Christ almost 3 years ago now- but I really struggled in prayer. I just felt like I didn’t know “how” to pray- I feel clumsy when I pray- but your book has given me confidence! I love the practical and hands-on tools you have given in your book! Truly awesome! I made my list this morning and I can’t wait to continue learning throughout the rest of the chapters of your book!
Thank you for writing this book! It is wonderful!
Elizabeth
June 11th, 2012 at 8:17 am
So glad you are up for the challenge. Let’s pray now that God will change the world as we embark on the 40-Day Challenge together. Glad the book is giving practical tips to your prayers already! We all need that.
Blessings,
Marilynn
June 11th, 2012 at 10:32 am
This morning was my first day using the Chubby Book in my prayer time! I also happened to have started using the Mc’Cheyne Bible reading plan about two weeks ago- and interestingly enough it is the very one you mention in your book 🙂 I am just so excited to WATCH for how God works and speaks as I devote myself to prayer! It is so exciting and amazing to think of being able to help others through prayer- what an amazing gift God has blessed us with!
Elizabeth
June 19th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Hi Elizabeth,
I am a little slow getting into the “respond back” mode. I only did a blog after I wrote the book, and now I have to figure out how to keep up with the wonderful comments that come my way. So….thanks for contacting me. I thought about you this morning as I happened upon another reference to the M’Cheyne plan. Isn’t it the best? I believe you will see God work in some amazing ways as you are faithfully “watching.” Of course, I know He works, even when we don’t watch, but it is just so fun to see the answers! Happy Praying! Marilynn