August 2011
Monthly Reflections of God's Goodness

So many people I talk to are still so, so worried. They are worried about continuing wars, the state of our country, their jobs, their children, healthcare costs and on and on. Even our changing weather patterns cause some people to wonder what’s happening?

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Have faith in God and faith in me.”

These words attributed to Jesus in the scripture encourage us to practice ‘trust’ instead of worrying.

Worrying is a useless pastime really. Webster says worrying is taking thoughts and images (from our life) and thinking about them in a negative way…tormenting oneself with or suffering from disturbing thoughts. I don’t think anything that ‘torments’ us comes from the good God!

The thing about worry is that it multiplies. We practice worrying and practice makes perfect or permanent. Worry becomes a habit. The truth is this “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your needs to God.” Phil 4:6 and “Cast all your anxiety on him (God) because he cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7.

I certainly do not have all the answers, and breaking a worry habit is not easy. I’d like to suggest that we use our worries as a catalyst for prayer. When a worry comes, turn it back to God in prayer. Don’t be discouraged when the worry comes back, just once again turn it back to God in prayer. As you do it, you will be inviting God into the difficult situations or even the little worries of life in a new way.

Practice, practice, practice, and eventually the prayer habit will be stronger than the worry habit! It will change things. It will change you!

Faith looks to God. Just like the sunflower follows the sun, we can look to God for answers and help. With the Psalmist we can say, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” Ps.46:1-3. Take heart, God is with us and for us!

Blessings,

Sr. Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Director of Development