And the beginning of wisdom is this

Worried about something? Don't be.

Stressed? Just stop.

My initial reaction to hearing things things is normally to list off half a dozen reasons about why I am justified about worrying (because of course, the problem is big) and stressing (and you know, the problem is just SO complicated). Yet, as of late I've come to the realization, that there is no way that I can truly claim that my faith in God is strong, and do these things.

Think about it, how many times does God direct us to not worry? How often does He tell us to not be afraid? Look at Matthew 6: 25-34, Joshua 1:9, John 14:1, or how about all of those verses in Psalms? Verses that many Christians come across time and time again. We read them, we see them, we know what they mean...when do we start living it? Are our problems so big that God cannot handle them? Are they so complex that God is unable to understand them? Our problems are nothing in comparison to God's wisdom and guidance. There are no circumstances under which my worry is justified. After all, do I not believe in the Most High God? The Creator of All Things? He is all knowing, He is powerful. He is big. So why worry?

And this stress and anxiety? Is it worth it? "An anxious heart weighs a man down" Proverbs 12:25

I know that for me, when I am stressed, I am not joyful. Does God not tell me to be joyful always? To rejoice in everything I do? So if I am being joyful always, rejoicing in everything, why am I stressed? I am not a pretty person when I have stress. I am worn out. I am bitter. I am negative. I am everything that I, as a follower of Christ, should not be. Are my problems so complicated that they merit this negative behavior that does not at all bring glory to God? I think not.

I really think that the root of the problem is this: when we worry and stress, God is not the core of our focus. Thoughts aren't centered on God, they are centered on ourselves. How selfish are we? How selfish am I? To think that anything about myself is so big that it merits a complete lack of obedience towards God's word?

I yearn to be focused solely on God, and I pray that those around me have this same desire. I truly do believe that it isn't until God is the main focus, until our hearts are pointed completely towards Him, that we will be at peace and that we will stop worrying and stop stressing.

Actions speak loud, and I know that I am guilty of having a loud mouth and quiet actions. This should not be the case. A self-centered life is not what we were created for. Believe it, know it, understand it, and most importantly, live it.