We talk about living with joy here at An Extraordinary Day.  All the time.

But, it doesn’t always happen, does it?

What do you think is your number one joy stealer?

 

The Number One Joy Stealer...

 

Fretting!

Let’s stop for a minute and think about this.

If you find yourself stewing on something, fretting about it, trying to figure out how something will or won’t happen, you are expending a lot of mental energy.

Wasted energy.

Fretting does not produce anything other than more worry.

All the fretting in the world doesn’t change the outcome of a problem.

 

Fretting is a real joy stealer.

 

God knew we would have a problem with it too.

Thanks why he tells us in the Bible…

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape
your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it,
a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come
and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when
Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

Don't fret or worry... The Number One Joy Stealer

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One of the best ways we can honor God and give him glory is to let him solve our problems for us.

We need to make praying, asking him for wisdom, spending time in his word, recognizing he is our provider, leaning on him wholly, and trusting him fully… our lifestyle.

It may not be easy… but oh it is so worth giving up that heavy burden.

Jesus said…

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:29-30 (The Message)

 

I recently had a realization about fretting.  It’s sin.  And it’s an open door for the enemy to turn our lives upside down, if we spend any amount of time entertaining those anxious thoughts. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus very specifically tells us not to worry or fret.  He created us and he knows how we function… therefore he knows what’s best for us.  He wants us to come to him for every. single. little thing.  He wants to be a part of every decision we make… every step we take.  To be fully integrated in our thoughts… no matter the circumstance.  When he is… we experience his grace and peace and JOY!   And when we can have that, why would we want to let the number one joy stealer steal God’s best for us?

 How about we make a pact this week to purposely live with joy!

Let’s quit fretting?

 

Joy Day! ~ Number One Joy Stealer

Joy Day!

 

We all need more joy in our lives.  In addition to giving up on fretting… giving thanks is a great way to get more joy.

Take a few minutes to look back over the past week and see God’s hand at work.  (He really does work all things together for our good… in spite of ourselves.)

Let’s count our blessings and give thanks in all things.

Won’t you join me in counting just seven?

Your joy meter will rise.  Guaranteed!

I’ll start…

Thank you, God for…

  1. your timing!
  2. your hand of healing, working in me.
  3. people who pray for us.
  4. for an easy fix for our car.
  5. your amazing everlasting love.
  6. the “new” Pinterest and the increased traffic from it.
  7. faithful loving friends.

Now it’s your turn!

List your ‘seven’ in the share your extraordinary thoughts section below.

You’ll be glad you did… I dare you!

Want even more joy?  Take the Joy Dare here.

 

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

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Joyfully!
Diane

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Comments

  1. Betty Brown says

    Provision.Keeping me calm during a bad situation.MY bible study group.Your word.James.Your unfailing love for me.Lessons I’m learning from my bible study.

  2. Shirlene says

    Family time
    Those who prayed / pray for me
    His grace
    Healing in His time
    Salvation for myself and loved ones
    Christian women on the internet
    Faith to trust in His Word

  3. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95983035783749931/

    If fretting and worry are sin, I’m in deep, DEEP trouble. On the flip side, if I gave up worry, I’d have probably 23 more hours in each day!

    1. God’s plan.
    2. The multi-colored carpet of leaves outside my window.
    3. Those blue tractor/forklift thingies that go by a couple of times a day carrying hay.
    4. The ability to change.
    5. Black velvet ribbon
    6. Half a dozen origami foxes of different sizes and made up in different holiday-themed papers.
    7. Our most energetic dog, Mac, who is the only one who stays in the yard without being told.

  4. Debbi Saunders says

    First off Diane, this was the most Fantastic post!!!! I will make a pact with you to stop fretting! For every fretful thought that comes to mind I will give thanks and praise for the wonderful blessings in my life! I will not let fret enter!
    God I am so grateful:
    1. for an absolutely wonderful day with a Dear friend in Mt.Dora at Renninger’s Antique Mall!
    2. for this glorious weather!
    3. for renewed excitement and joy in Life!
    4.for the amazing gifts that you have blessed me with; creativity,a passion for “Creating Home”, art, and organizing, intercessory prayer for others to name but a very few….
    5. for Charles Stanley’s teachings!
    6. that I STILL have the ‘peace’ in my present circumstance!
    7. Christian Friends and Christian internet friends!!!

  5. Teresa Villasenor says

    1. For my beautiful parents
    2. For a generous husband
    3. For lessons in trials
    4. For the gift of singing
    5. For compassion when it’s not easy
    6. For a chance to rest
    7. For our new deacon, Sean
    Yay God!

  6. Glenda Kremer says

    Fretting–can’t say I’ve heard that word much in my 65 years but when I start to fret about anything I thank the Lord that He reminds me of the over 100 cancer people on my cancer prayer cards that I pray for every morning and each time I’m up at night–yes I left every name for healing—then I realize many people have real problems and my fretting stops! usually before it gets much of a start! thank You Jesus!
    hugs
    glenda kremer

  7. Bobbi Duncan says

    Hi, everyone. I feel very blessed that 1. I had a lovely conversation with my son and DIL this afternoon… only three more weeks until we get to go out to visit with them and my adorable Grandson. 2. For a task I was dreading because my back has really been acting up, but with prayer managed to get it done. It’s been put on the back burner too long, so I’m glad that’s over.Thank you, God, for helping me. 3. For the few nice days this week without rain that allowed me to get out and enjoy this beautiful Autumn that you have granted to me. 4. So looking forward to a long overdo visit with my dear cousin tomorrow. A fun day of holiday shopping and a nice dinner shared, catching up on our lives and reliving our memories of growing up together. 5. That I get to feel the joy radiated by others on this site that also have such love and appreciation of you, my God. It is so encouraging to hear positive things in a world where oft times we hear things that cause us stress and sadness. 6. I enjoyed reading Debi Saunders remark about Renningers and the fun she had. I lived in the Winter Park/Orlando area for 26 years and visiting Renningers and the lovely quaint town of Mt. Dora was a big part of many fun times with family and friends. Although we have a Renningers near us here in PA. it’s not nearly as nice as going to Mt. Dora, so thanks, Debi,for stirring up such fond memories. 7. Joy that I got to read your message, Diane, about fretting. I had to chuckle, too, because there have been many times that I’ve felt so much better when I’d just give it all to God that you would think I’d just automatically do the smart thing the next time I find myself stressing but, NO, this silly girl gets well into the fretting before the light comes on. You would think I’d have figured it out by now as I feel such a heavy weight lifted whenever God, not Bobbi, takes charge. Blessings all.

  8. Thank you for this post! It was a much-needed reminder.

    Seven things:
    1. I was able to take a week away from work and disconnected nearly completely. I am hoping I arrive at work refreshed this morning.
    2. That at least if I’m dealing with insomnia, my loved ones are sleeping.
    3. The little providences. My 6 year old is concerned about bad guys and asked at Lowes if we could buy bushes that had stickers on them (barberry plants) to keep bad guys away. I declined, but as I was cleaning up my garden this evening I realized those same bushes he’d asked for were already planted this spring, just were overshadowed by overgrowth. So it brought peace of mind to him.
    4. My friend’s son’s baptism today.
    5. For (comparatively) decent health.
    6. For improvement in my husband’s depression.
    7. For fortunate weather this fall.

  9. Kim says

    I really needed this post, Diane. Burdens can be so heavy, and sometimes we can’t get something off of our mind. Yes, fretting – pure and simple. And wrong! Thank you for giving us a positive tool to get our minds focused on our blessings! I’ll be pinning your beautiful fall picture with the scripture after my comment. You are a blessing! Thankful to my Lord and Savior for:
    1. Time away for a short trip.
    2. Experiencing His beautiful creation in perfect Fall weather.
    3. Seeing the good in an unappreciated city.
    4. A rare evening with parents.
    5. Enjoying life of a family 2 centuries ago and their plantation.
    6. A new appreciation for sugar cane crops.
    7. Some new and fresh ideas for the future.

  10. 1. Our first dinner shared in our new home in SC.
    2. New friends met under extraordinary circumstances that could only be a God thing.
    3. Sunshine, sunshine and more sunshine (it rained a lot more where we used to live).
    4. Old friends coming from across the country to stay with us this week!
    5. The Allume Conference coming up this week. So excited that I get to go!
    6. A little trip to Charleston last week (my first time there) and the eye opening experience of seeing the old Slave Mart. It saddened me deeply but it was good to learn more about the history of slavery and to remind me that I need to use my voice to help those who have no voice.
    7. My new home and community. Excited to see how God will use us here!

  11. Great post and such a wonderful reminder! I often find myself fretting about things. When I do get to the point of giving it over to God, that’s when I usually see answers. Thanks for linking up to Motivational Monday!

  12. Thank you, I pinned it!

  13. Mel says

    Someone dear to my heart gifted me a “G-d box” just this past week. I have some letting go to do.
    I’m one of those silly people that hand it over to the Big Guy and then play tug of war with Him. LOL…bit of a control freak, dontchaknow. :-/
    My joys include:
    ….drooling over your gorgeous fall photos.
    ….the gifted “G-d box”.
    ….a hug from a nonhuggy person.
    ….the daily joy list I keep.
    ….the LEAF adventure.
    ….visiting a good friend.
    ….the gialt 8 foot spider in our yard.
    ….watching himself be patient, REALLY patie.

    • Diane says

      Oh my friend…that’s my issue, too. :-/
      Thanks for taking the time to share your JOYS! You make me smile.
      May your week overflow with God’s grace and JOY!!

  14. Connie says

    Many thanks for a beautiful and wonderful post. Your ministry is a blessing to all your readers.

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your kind words, Connie.
      May you sense God’s love and presence all day long.

  15. Sharon says

    Thank you for your post on fretting. I enjoyed it. I’ll share something that has helped me. Fretting/worrying is like saying that God created the universe and hung the stars, but He can’t be trusted to take care of my problems. Worrying is an insult to God. When I think of it this way, I’m more inclined to turn things over to Him. We just have to trust Him.

  16. Cindy says

    Beautifully written! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  17. Luija says

    1. For my beautiful parents
    2. For a generous husband
    3. For lessons in trials
    4. For the gift of singing
    5. For compassion when it’s not easy
    6. For a chance to rest
    7. For our new deacon, Sean
    Yay God!

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