Category: worry

Forget It! … or Remember it??

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Happy New Year!

On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Is. 43:18-19

Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.

Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!

Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.

In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

So what’s a girl to do?

Forget or remember??

Probably a little of both.

Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.

What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other. The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.

The lyrics from one of my favorite bands Tenth Ave. North says:
    You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
     You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
     You are more than the problems you create,
     You’ve been remade.

     ‘Cause this is not about what you’ve done,
     But what’s been done for you.
     This is not about where you’ve been,
     But where your brokenness brings you to

     This is not about what you feel,
     But what He felt to forgive you,
     And what He felt to make you loved.

     You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
     You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
     You are more than the problems you create,
     You’ve been remade.

So in 2011, what will you remember? And what will you forget?

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8-9

 

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A Storm In Little Valley

Posted on by Susan Panzica
My sweet friend, Lynn Mosher from Heading Home, wrote this beautiful post and has allowed me to share it with you. Enjoy!

Little Valley lived among the verdant hills that stood tall and proud. Each tree, each flower on the hills stretched out in service for its created purpose. A true testament to their Creator.


Although delicate wildflowers and sweet-smelling honeysuckle adorned Little Valley, the artistry of the hills intimidated her. She compared herself to the regal hills and thought poorly of herself, “What am I amongst these majestic hills of the Creator? Nothing but weeds and stones cover my terrain. I have no beauty with which to serve and magnify My Maker.”


One day, dark billowing clouds as black chariots of doom gathered across the sky. On the hills, the flowers closed their petals, the trees folded their leaves in terror. The sun disappeared, leaving no ray of its existence upon anything.


Little Valley shivered in the foreboding gloom and swirling winds, as the calamity wrapped itself around her shoulders as a sinister black cloak.


The hills trembled under the mighty power of the tempest as its violence ripped at its beauty. The proud hills crumbled under the oppressive weight.


The silence of the hills contrasted with Little Valley’s bemoaning of her situation. The storm struck at her heart, leaving a gaping hole in her landscape. The birds disappeared; their songs of praise gone with them. And all the other valley creatures departed for homes unknown. She cried great tears of grief for her loss.


In her mourning, she cried out to her Creator. “Save me, Master. I’ve been torn asunder. All is lost.”


Whispering back, He answered, “My sweet field of pleasure, My Little Valley, nothing strikes at your heart except it is sifted through My loving fingers. You do not see now but you will see later the beauty born of suffering. You will bring great glory to Me. Do not compare yourself with others. Trust in My Word. Trust in My promises.”

Little Valley sighed and rested in the knowledge that the Master Creator knew best.

Though they eventually ceased, the tears Little Valley shed filled the gaping hole and a beautiful pool of water emerged. The calm waters belied the rugged rocks lining its depths.

Water lilies began to appear on the pond’s surface. A profusion of multi-colored blossoms poked their heads up around the water’s edge. The grass grew the most beautiful shade of green and flourished everywhere. The birds returned to nest in newly formed trees.

Little Valley reveled in the results as she blossomed with new strength and beauty, born out of the suffering as the promise of the Lord. For the rest of her days, she knew she would serve her Master and bring glory to Him.

Though God has gifted you and set a purpose for your life, do you feel unworthy, untalented, or lacking in some area to serve Him because you compare yourself with others?


Just as the hills and valleys each have their own beauty and their own purpose, so does each child of God. Each of us serves to glorify the Lord in our own capacity, which is honoring to Him and beneficial to others. Whether you minister to large numbers or you minister to your next door neighbor, it is all serving the Lord. No one ministry is greater than another.

You are worthy to serve because Christ lives within you, so “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” (Col. 3:17 NIV) as “though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col. 3:23 NLT)


I pray you know this…“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zeph. 3:17 NLT)

Many thanks, Lynn, for illustrating so beautifully why God allows valley experiences in our lives. Though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, the truth is that it is meant for the living. He walks with us through the valley, and not just through the “valley of the shadow of death,” but every valley, every day. Thank you Lord, that we never need to fear for You are with us (Ps. 23:4)

Storm Shelter

Posted on by Susan Panzica
As I sit and write, my sweet pup, Roxie, is sitting at my feet looking up every few minutes to reassure herself that I am, in fact, right where I was those few minutes ago. She has trailed me from room to room, observing my laundry skills, lunch-making prowess and cleanup expertise. Usually, she parks herself anywhere comfy, but today, she is hovering at my feet. If my fingers stop clicking on the keyboard, she looks at me as if to say “where are we going now?”

I was wondering about this intense devotion today when thunder boomed outside. Terrified, Roxie trembled. Aha! Her fear of the storm kept her close to her master.

You know what’s coming next, don’t you!


When confident in her own strength, she’ll rest in any old spot, but when the storm comes, she needs to be in the presence of her master, and so do I. Yes indeed. God uses the storms of life to draw us to Himself, our Master. When circumstances crowd in or fears rise up, we cry to the Lord in struggle. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Ps. 9:9

And here’s a little secret. Truth be told, I kinda like having her so near and dependent upon me for her strength. I don’t want to sound like I enjoy my pup’s suffering. Not at all. But on most days, she’ll rarely sit still for long. She’ll snuggle for just a minute or two before she’s off again meandering from room to room, from inside to outside and back in again. Yet it’s in the storm that she recognizes her need and seeks solace in my presence, allowing me to comfort her. Too often, I am meandering as well, flitting from one task to another, consumed by my activity and, in my distraction, missing the presence of the Lord.


The Lord doesn’t enjoy our suffering any more than we do, but He does promise that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). And so perhaps He does enjoy having us so close despite our trembling, renewing our strength in His presence.


I read somewhere that nothing improves your prayer life better than big trouble. There is value in the storm. It builds our faith, and it develops perseverance, maturity and wisdom (James 1:1-5). I only wish I didn’t wait for that big trouble before crying out to the Lord. I wish I was more faithful in the daily little troubles that I tend to tackle in my own strength rather than His. I want to be like a synchronized swimmer, every move I make in perfect harmony with Him.


How about you? Do you allow the storms to build your faith? And what about the peaceful times? Are you able to seek Him in the uneventful moments? He’s waiting for you…

So Lord, where are we going now?

Your Roots Are Showing

Posted on by Susan Panzica
“But blessed is the (woman) man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in Him.
(She) He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8







Once a month or so, my pup and I have “Grooming Day”! She visits the groomer, and across the street, I get my nails done. This Thursday was a triple grooming experience as I needed to have my hair done as well.


 I hadn’t visited my wonderful hairdresser, Nina, since May. You can imagine the mess. I need regular touchups to cover the gray, but I had to confess that I had been cheating on Nina. I was using a product called Root Touchup which got me through the summer, but that only takes care of a small portion of my head. My roots needed real attention, and thanks to AnnMarie & Nina, on Thursday, they got it.

The Bible has something to say about our roots from a spiritual perspective. Jeremiah tells us that the woman who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him, is blessed. And it’s not just feeling blessed, it’s a blessing with tangible benefits.



(She) He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.




The roots of a tree planted by the water naturally grow in the direction of the water. They stretch out to be fed by the stream. They search for that life-giving source. They don’t wait for a gardener to show up with a watering can. Likewise, we ought to seek the life-giving flow of Living Water, the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to nourish us, not just depending upon a church sermon or Sunday School class to feed us.





It does not fear when heat comes;


The droughts in California cause the timber to be bone dry allowing a tiny spark to ignite a devastating fire. But wetlands have no fear of the fire. If we have partaken of ample Living Water, we need have no fear of the heat when it comes – and note, Jeremiah says “when” heat comes, not “if” it comes. We can be sure that heat will come, but if our roots are well watered, we will be like that tree standing firm.





its leaves are always green.


Years ago, my friend, Therese, and I sat in a car under tree near a streetlight for hours sharing our hearts. It was autumn, and we noticed that most of the leaves had fallen off the tree, except for one area of the tree near the light. The light kept the leaves on that part of the tree green and alive reminding us of our need to stay near our source of life-giving Light.





It has no worries in a year of drought


Why wouldn’t the tree have worries in a drought? Because it has stored up enough water to sustain it during dry periods. There is no doubt that we will have dry periods, too. But that is not a cause for worry. The Bible calls itself our spiritual food (milk and meat). I’ve heard it said that sometimes reading the Bible is like dessert, so delicious we could savor every morsel. Sometimes, it’s like cereal, a bit dry, but we eat to sustain us and provide building blocks for growth. And still other times, it’s like medicine. It may not satisfy our tastebuds, but it provides healing. Drought or not, we ought not to worry (Matt. 6:33, Phil. 4:6).





and never fails to bear fruit.


The by-product of abiding in the Vine is bearing fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is not like a gift of the Spirit which is given at the discretion of the Giver. Fruit is the consequence of obeying and remaining with Jesus, the Vine. An apple tree can’t produce more fruit by force or wishful thinking. No huffing & puffing on the part of the tree will result in more fruit. Fruit is produced on a branch that is firmly attached, is fed, watered and in the light . . . over a period of time.






One last thing about roots – the Bible tells us that we if we miss the grace of God, a bitter root can grow and cause trouble (Heb. 12:15) and that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). These are roots to be avoided because they will poison the tree.






The roots are what sustain the tree. No more root touchups here! Let’s make sure our roots are firmly planted, stretching toward living water, free from fear and worry, and bearing good fruit. Then we can be proud to say our roots are showing!






Susan

Focus!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Oh, why is it that we tend to focus on the 1% negative instead of the 99% positive?

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers [and sisters!], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:6-9

When we read the above verses, we usually note that verse 8 tells us what we ought to think about. But if we look at verses 7 and 9, we see that the peace of God (v.7) and the God of peace (v.9) are like bookends surrounding our thought life. If we can but focus on what is true, right, pure… anything that is excellent… something that is worthy of praise, we will discover the peace of God bathing our minds and the presence of the God of peace directing our thoughts.

Can you find something true and let your thoughts meditate on that today?

Would you leave a comment or send me an email on something you found true or worthy of praise? I’ll post them later this week for all of us to share!

Susan

God’s Eye View

Posted on by Susan Panzica
As the plane began its descent, I spotted a familiar circular building, a hotel on NJ’s Route 80. Knowing it was near my home, I scanned the landscape for other familiar landmarks. There’s the Garden State Plaza, Ikea and my house! Continuing to focus out the window, I spotted Route 46, Teterboro Airport with its tiny white planes scattered on the tarmac, two Giant Stadiums side-by-side next to the watery Meadowlands landscape. I spotted Lady Liberty, gracefully welcoming visitors amid the busyness of New York City and Port Newark.
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As we neared Newark Airport, I spied stacks of brightly colored containers that looked like a Crayola box, but were in fact huge trailers. There were boats in the port unloading their container cargo, trains racing, planes taxiing, and cars, trucks & buses speeding along the roadways. This birds-eye view enabled me to see a wide spectrum of activity so familiar to me, yet never seen all at once. Since I am usually on the ground amid all this activity, I can never see what is beyond my sight distance. I don’t know that around the bend may be a dangerous accident or that there is a fire burning a few miles away. I am limited in my vision because I am on the ground. But up here in the sky, I can see the bigger picture.
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Hmmm, maybe that’s why I can trust that God knows more than me! I can only see with limited vision, but He can see the big picture. He knows my past, my present and my future. My own memory of my past is colored by various emotions. My present may be pretty clear at the moment. But my future is a complete unknown. And I can only discern that which is in my immediate vicinity. But God can see it all. He knows when I stand and when I sit (Ps 139:2). He knows when you stand and sit. He knows when his child on the other side of the world stands and sits. He knows who I will meet tomorrow. Is there anything He doesn’t know? I don’t know! But He does!
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So our challenge is to fully put our trust in a God who fully deserves it. When we totally grasp that He is not limited as we are, we are able to release what we hold onto and leave it in His capable arms.
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Broken Dreams
By: Author Unknown
..
As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my friend.
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But then instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.
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At last I snatched them back and cried,
“How could you be so slow”
“My child,” He said, “What could I do?
You never did let go.”
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Will you let go to the God who sees it all ?

Susan

What, me worry?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Normally, I love to hear the sweet tweets of the birds, but today outside the window of our office their joyful clamor tells me that they are very busy. Each spring, against our wishes, they attempt to build their nest under the eaves. Twig by twig, on and on, they flutter to and fro.

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Do you think they are worried about the economic crisis? the war overseas? what to make for dinner? if they look fat in their outfit? Nope! They’re like Alfred E. Newman from MAD magazine. Remember him? His signature line is “What, me worry?” That was Jesus’ line, too!!
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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt. 6:25-34

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Take note that Jesus compares worrying about these things to being like a pagan! Ouch!

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After hearing the birds yesterday, it was my husband who suggested today’s post. Now he is a natural-born worrier, descended from a long line of worriers. Yet, God has shown him the futility of worry. He told his mom once, “Worry is like a rocking chair. You spend a lot of energy, but don’t get anywhere!”

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I think it’s important to note that freedom from worry does not mean sitting back, resting, doing nothing, hoping for God to provide. The birds don’t expect their nest to materialize on its own. They spend countless hours searching and building. It’s just that they don’t fret about it.
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I think it’s time we all became “birdbrains!” What, me worry?
Susan

You Say, God Says

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Some time ago, I received the following email:

*****
You say: “It’s impossible.”
God says: “All things are possible.” Luke 18:27

You say: “I’m too tired.”
God says: “I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28-30

You say: “Nobody really loves me.”
God says: “I love you.” John 3:16&34

You say: “I can’t go on.”
God says: “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Cor. 12:9

You say: “I can’t figure things out.”
God says: “I will direct your steps.” Prov. 3:5-6

You say: “I can’t do it.”
God says: “You can do all things.” Phil. 4:13

You say: “I’m not able.”
God says: “I am able.” 2 cor. 9:8

You say: “It’s not worth it.”
God says: “It will be worth it.” Rom. 8:28

You say: “I can’t forgive myself.”
God says: “I forgive you.” 1 John 1:9, Rom. 8:1

You say: “I can’t manage.”
God says: “I will supply all your needs.” Phil. 4:19

You say: “I’m afraid.”
God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” 2 Tim. 1:7

You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
God says: “Cast all your cares on ME.” 1 Peter 5:7

You say: “I’m not smart enough.”
God says: “I give you wisdom.” 1 Cor. 1:30

You say: “I feel all alone.”
God says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

*****
–
Why is it so easy to listen to the voice of the deceiver? The band, Casting Crowns, sings:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says “Do not be afraid!”
And the voice of truth says “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
–
Won’t you listen to the voice of truth? When you hear those lies and accusations, won’t you choose to listen to the voice of truth? Philippians 4:8 says
“Finally, ‘sisters’,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.”
–
This is an instruction = “Think on these things” – not a suggestion or a wishful thinking = not “try to think…”
God would not instruct us to do something that is not possible to do. When you catch yourself drifting into false thoughts, lasso those thoughts – “take every thought captive.” Several years ago, my friend, Ashley, was facing a very difficult time. Pregnant with a very sick baby, her thoughts often drifted to worry. So she decided to make a list of what is true, noble, etc. She had so many listed under “true” that she went no further. When her thoughts drifted to worry, she pulled out her list to remove those thoughts and replace them with truths from the Word.
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The result of applying this Scripture to your thoughtlife? The verses before and after Phil. 4:8 tell us the peace of God will guard your heart and mind (v.7) and the God of peace will be with you (v.9). Your thoughts are surrounded by the bookends of peace!
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“Thou wilt keep her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because she trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3
–
Susan

Fear Is A Four Letter Word

Posted on by Susan Panzica

For as long as I can remember, fear has been a most unwelcome companion of mine, a curse you might say. I’ve tried to raise my children to be strong in the face of fear so that they would not have to deal with some of the stuff I’ve endured. But my dog? Well, she’s just a scaredy-dog!

She absolutely loves people, sometimes too much. My daughter says that Roxie has no concept of personal space. When visitors are over, she is right in their face, her tail wagging her whole body. But she does not like other dogs, no sir-ree. On our walk today, we came across the tiniest dog. Quaking with fear, she ran behind my legs and encircled the leash around them. I nearly fell over. It was not pretty!

Later, the plumber arrived. Roxie would have loved to be right under the sink with him, so I had to block her off. And what did I use? Something else she is afraid of – paper bags!

So here is Roxie trapped in the dining room behind four empty paper bags from my morning grocery shopping excursion. If she so much as sneezed, they’d blow over. But now, she is a prisoner of her own fears.

Too often, what we are afraid of is just substance of our own making. You have probably heard of the acronym F-E-A-R = False Evidence Appearing Real. It’s true that some fears are based on very real situations (a diagnosis from the doctor, a child or spouse in the military, job layoffs, economic disasters), but unfortunately, all too often, it’s just our emotions run amok.

While on the retreat a few weeks ago, the group leaders shared a common thread that was mentioned in each of the groups. When discussing what prevented the group members from fufilling God’s calling in their lives, most mentioned fear. Fear of speaking to someone, fear of taking a stand, fear of moving out of their comfort zone, fear of the unknown, fear of repercussions, fear of failure, and so on.

Over the years, I’ve learned that there is only one fear we ought to have – the fear of the Lord. There is nothing else to fear. I’ve heard that “fear not” appears 365 times in the Word. This means that there is a “fear not” for every single day! Fear has served a purpose in my life. It has kept me on my knees. I know God can supernaturally remove it, and He has done so on occasion. But, if He doesn’t, I understand that it causes me to go to Him.

When the entire nation of Israel was terrified of the giant Goliath, young David had another perspective. He utters one of my favorite verses in the Bible, “Who is this uncircumcized Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” When I am facing a fearful situation, I now try to keep an eternal perspective, and not feel overpowered by it.

These verses have ministered greatly to me:
“Thou wilt keep (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because (s)he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”1 John 4:18
“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:4
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind..” 2 Tim. 1:7

What is it that you are facing today? If you seriously think about it, is it just a paper bag? Or is it real? Can you see beyond the immediate situation to view this problem from an eternal viewpoint? Whether real or not, will you make it a matter of prayer today? Will you send me an email or a comment so that I can pray for and with you?

In those famous words of FDR, for most of us “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”
Susan


ps – On Saturday, June 6th, I will be speaking at High Mountain’s Ladies Tea on this subject of fear. Won’t you join us? It’s a great event. I’m sure you’ll be blessed.