I’m a good person, you’re a good person, what could we possibly be tempted with? A cookie or piece of candy we shouldn’t have? For me, often times I’m tempted to worry or fret.  One day I’ll overcome temptation to worry or fret.  But, until then… I’ve acquired an arsenal of weapons to use when I’m tempted to start a journey of worrying or fretting.  Just in case you need one too… I am sharing mine with you, today.

 

How to overcome temptation to worry or fret.

 

Now that I’ve fessed up…

Do you worry?  Do you fret?

I know, it feels kind of icky to admit it doesn’t it?  Usually that’s something we think we keep to ourselves. Unfortunately, as much as we might try to keep it hidden… everyone can see our worry.  If it doesn’t show up in our speech, it usually shows up on our faces.

Have you ever found yourself chewing on a problem, thinking about it a lot, trying to figure a way out or through it?  That’s fretting.

 

How to overcome temptation to worry. - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I’ve come to realize that just before we make our approach onto Worry Way or Fretting Freeway we have a choice as to whether or not we will make that first step?

Everyone has access to Worry Way or Fretting Freeway.  Often, as with most any entrance ramp, there’s a quick merge into one of the lanes. It seems there’s hardly any thought that goes into traveling down either route.  But, just like driving the car and turning onto the ramp or around the corner, there is a choice.  It might be subtle.  But it’s there.

What do you do when you find yourself on Worry Way, or Fretting Freeway?

  • Pull out God’s promises.
  • Meditate on his word.
  • Write one of his promises on a card and carry it with you, read it often.

 

Here are some helpful scriptures…

  • Jesus said,“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.  John 14:1
  • Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7
  • Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.  You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.  Matthew 6:26-27
  • “And why do you worry about clothes?…  But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith!  Matthew 6:28, 30
  • Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.  Matthew 6:33
  • I always remember that the Lord is with me.  He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me.  Psalm 16:8
  • Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9
  • We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28
  • I will praise the Lord at all times. I will never stop singing his praises.  Humble people, listen and be happy, while I brag about the Lord.  Praise the Lord with me. Let us honor his name.  I went to the Lord for help, and he listened.   He saved me from all that I fear.  If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face.  You will have no need to be ashamed.  As a poor, helpless man I prayed to the Lord, and he heard me. He saved me from all my troubles.  Psalm 34:1-6

There are countless more scriptures.  This is a good start for your arsenal.

When you find yourself stepping foot on Worry Way or Fretting Freeway… STOP!

Go to one or more of these scriptures.  Do not give into the temptation!

There’s one more thing… 

Lord, you are my God. I honor you and praise you,
because you have done amazing things.
You have always done what you said you would do;
you have done what you planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1 NCV

Keep an attitude of praise. A song on your lips or in your heart for the Lord is undoubtedly the best weapon against worry and fret.  Always remember, God is the same now and forever and that he does what he says he’ll do.  Oh how worthy he is of our trust and praise.

How to overcome temptation - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

What if you slip and give in to worry or fret?

Whether you find yourself in your first step or a day or week’s journey down Worry Way or Fretting Freeway, all these steps will work.  There’s never a point of no return.  You can choose to get off at any time.  The exits are longer and slower than the entry ramps… but they will take you away from both of those dangerous roads.

You see… the more we practice this… the harder it will be to succumb to the temptation to worry or fret.  The Holy Spirit catches us and nudges us to choose wisely.

  • What is it that you’ve been ruminating about?
  • What are you carrying in the back of your mind all the time?
  • What are you wringing your hands over?

Maybe you’re already traveling Worry Way or Fretting Freeway. Maybe they are just around the corner for you.

What are you going to do when your find yourself making that first step onto Worry Way?  

What do you need to do if you’re already speeding along Fretting Freeway?

Let’s do this together!  Are you in?

How to overcome temptation - JoyDay! - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s JoyDay!

The day we take time to look back over the past week and count ‘seven’… our joys and our sorrows… and give thanks.

There’s something wonderful that happens when we practice this counting.  We start to see things in our day differently, we live with more joy and expectation.  And peace.

Please join me in counting ‘seven.’

I’ll start!

Lord, thank you for…

  1. your love and care and unexpected blessings.
  2. the huge answer to a long-prayed prayer for my friend.
  3. two totally unrelated ways you affirmed us this week.
  4. fun plans made with my dear friend and a mini vacation for this week.
  5. gorgeous moon beams
  6. how quickly you answered a big prayer.
  7. the grace of being called a join-heir with Jesus.  Wow!

Now, it’s YOUR turn!

Scroll down to the “Share your extraordinary thoughts” below and tap in your ‘seven.’  You’ll be glad you did.

 Wishing you... An Extraordinary Day!

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The SITS Girls

Comments

  1. Rose says

    Good Morning Diane~
    It is amazing how you can have at least 7 things to be thankful for every week.
    Lord I thank you for ~
    1-) Making me feel better after 2+ days of feeling so sick.
    2-) For giving me such a great guy – he took such good care of me.
    3-) A beautiful and safe place to feel warm and cozy.
    4-) My wonderful Mom for her tender words always (she is 89 this year)
    5-) My dear sister, finding her way
    6-) Giving me yesterday to spend the day with my husband and having a wonderful day
    7-) Good Friends.

    Have a wonderful week.
    Much love,
    Rose

    • Diane says

      We are blessed people aren’t we, Rose? This “ritual” has been a meaningful one for me. So much so that I journal 10 every night. 🙂
      I rejoice with you and your ‘seven.’ So glad you’re feeling better. May your week overflow with JOY!!

      • Rose says

        Dear Diane~
        Thank you for your beautiful words.
        You are such a beautiful person, and I am so happy I found your blog.

        Have a fantastic week.
        Much love,
        Rose

  2. Debbi Saunders says

    I am grateful to God for
    1. A huge answer to a prayer concerning my Home!
    2.for the promises God gave me in His word.
    3 . The victory He gave me in the courts!
    4.for my Home!
    5.for the 8 Awesome, Godly Friends who faithfully encouraged and prayed with and for me throughout this ordeal,!
    6 . For His provision. !
    7. That He Loves me unconditionally!

    • Diane says

      Debbi… my absolute first reaction to reading your list was AMEN!!! My heart continues to rejoice often for God’s love and mercy demonstrated this week. {{hugs}}

  3. Beautiful, beautiful post Diane!
    When I worry or fret – I turn to quiet prayer so that I can hear God.
    Have you ever heard of the book “Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On – Trusting God in the Tough Times” by Stormie Omartian. I think you would love it :0)
    One of my favorite lines in the text reads . . .
    ” . . . and although I can’t see exactly where I am going, I’m certain that You can and will enable me to get where I need to be. Thank you, Lord, that You are teaching me how to walk in total dependence upon You, for I know therein lies my greatest blessing.”
    Thank you for sharing Joy Day with so many of us!
    Sending hugs,
    Suzanne

    • Diane says

      Suzanne… I am not familiar with that book. Thanks for sharing it with me. I do love the quote. Total dependence… that’s hard isn’t it. Why are the hardest things the best?
      Thanks friend for you wonderful words of encouragement. {Big Hugs}

  4. rebeccawip says

    Thank you for this encouraging, uplifting, and helpful post full of God’s wisdom. I really needed this right now as im speeding down the worry way so fast im about to have a wreck!

    • Diane says

      Lifting you up in prayer this moment Rebecca! {{hugs}}

  5. Gwen says

    Joy Day in the middle of the night
    1. Affirmations to help me see a truth about God using me despite my great injury and things don’t go as planned
    2. Getting to be held close and prayed for while I wept in confusion and deep sorrow
    3. Wonderful insights from the Bible study group
    4. My friend–alive, home and recouping although weak and on oxygen following a near death experience with double pneumonia and lung damage
    5. Safely we got to travel to see my Mom. With a ride.
    6. A few outings planned
    7. There are mix ups with my medical care and I’m mixed up. I shall praise God for im too tired and weak to fight more
    8. I heard birds

    • Diane says

      My dear friend… what is it about hearing spring bird song that brings so much joy to our hearts?
      Gwen… I rejoice with you at so many good things God is continually doing to love and encourage you… and trusting with you for God to work out the details for the medical mix-ups. {{hugs}}

  6. I’m in! Sorry is SIN and we do need to just STOP it!
    1. A God who is Sovereign so I can rest, placing my complete trust in Him.
    2. A new friend I met this week, a godly woman. The type of friend I like to surround myself with.
    3. The weather is warming and a couple of days of sunshiine that made me feel so happy.
    4. God is speaking to me in such amazing ways in my quiet time with Him. Please let this last Lord!
    5. Health and strength for the “journey”.
    6. A husband who is still in love with me.
    7. My two loving daughters.

    • Diane says

      Patti… you are so right. Sometimes I even think that we can start wearing worry as a badge of good. Calling it what it is surely makes a one think twice. 😉 I’m so glad you’re “IN” too!! [hugs]
      Thanks for taking the time to share your ‘seven’ Patti! I rejoice with you in the goodness of the Lord you’ve experienced this past week.
      May you new week overflow with JOY!!!

  7. Lucy Beliveau says

    Philippians 4min:6-7 … tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has given…I. Will keep this scripture close to me. I thank alll of the time but I always feel like I am bothering Him to ask for help. When will I ever learn?

    • Diane says

      I’m so glad this scripture will help you, Lucy. God want us to lean on him. So, lean away… it gives him glory. 🙂

  8. Thank you for this wonderful collection of scripture. Matthew 6:26-27 one of my favorites. I do have to remind myself of it often.

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