“Are You Someone Who Worries Too Much?”
Erma Bombeck has this to say about worry:
“I’ve always worried a lot and frankly, I’m good at it. I worry about introducing people and going blank when I get to my mother. I worry about a shortage of ball bearings. I worry about a snake coming up through my kitchen drain. I worry about the world ending at midnight and getting stuck with 3 hours left of a 24 hour cold capsule. I worry about getting into the Guinness Book of World Records under the category, “Pregnancy: Oldest Recorded Birth.” I worry about what my dog thinks when he sees me coming out of the shower. I worry that one of my children will marry an Eskimo who will set me adrift on an ice berg when I can no longer feed myself. I worry about the saleslady following me into the fitting room. I worry that scientist will discover someday that lettuce has been fattening all along...” And she goes on.
Bombeck makes the point that as humans we can be very creative at finding things to worry about. I think the key to letting go of our worries is to cover them with prayer. Philippians 4: 6-8 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The New Living Bible translates Philippians 4: 6-8 this way: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live Christ Jesus.”
Jesus addresses worry in Matthew 6: 25-34. Read this passage and then reflect on the following “Four Principles for Defeating Worry” that flow from Jesus’ teaching:
-Focus on the faithfulness of your heavenly Father. He will always give you what you need.
-Realize that worry is useless; it doesn’t help or change a thing.
-Do the best you can today and let God take care of your past regrets and your future plans.
-Learn to let go and let God be God in your life.
Jesus challenges all of us are good at worrying with these words from Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me all of you that weary and burdened (with worry), and I will give your rest.”
Seeking to serve “worry free” with you, Pastor Kurt Busiek
Emmanuel is a church that seeks to offer LIFE to the world. The LIFE we offer includes:
L oving God (the Great Commandment - Love God and People)
I ncluding Others
F ellowship Groups
E veryone involved in Ministry (the Great Commission)
"Go into all the world and make disciples..."
Emmanuel is a diverse, family church of around 300 that includes a variety of ages and backgrounds, gifts and interests. We worship in a blended style that includes both sacred hymns and contemporary choruses. Our services are both traditional and informal.
If you are seeking a church, we would love to meet you sometime.
If you have questions, call 485 5171 or email Pastor Kurt at
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Services
Sunday Morning Worship:
8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Evening: 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Dinner: 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 6:00 p.m.
Contact Information
Telephone: (304) 485-5171
Address: 1710 23rd Street Parkersburg, WV 26101 (near the City Park)
FAX: (304) 485-5194
Emmanuel's Capital Project Phase One has been completed. Thank you for your on-going support!
