Sometimes, I let concerns and worries so grab my attention that I lose sleep at night. Today, I admit some of the reasons I still struggle here, in hopes of helping all of us worriers move in the right direction of trusting God.
- I donβt automatically apply the Word to my worries.Β I do eventually, but I donβt always immediately ask, βWhat does the Word teach me about trusting God here?β My delay in application only facilitates worry.
- I tend to try to resolve the issue without always praying like I should.Β My first step is often to try to figure out a way to fix the problem. My tendency to be a fixer first doesnβt always help me to throw my concerns at Godβs feet.
- Iβm often reticent to turn to others for support when Iβm worried.Β Sometimes the situation doesnβt allow me to share details, but I should know by now that sharing a burden reduces the level of worry. At least, I should know it enough to do it more often.
- I donβt get enough rest.Β I need your prayers here, especially as I continue to recover from a recent hospitalization. Itβs interesting how it works β when my bodyβs tired, my mind sometimes goes into overdrive by magnifying worries.
- I donβt like conflict.Β I know itβs unavoidable if I want to lead well, but Iβve never liked conflict. I want everyone to be at peace with me, and I sometimes allow my desire for peace to consume me. Again, itβs strange: my desire to avoid conflict only creates more.
- I expect myself to be perfect.Β Of course, I know better intellectually. The fact that Iβm writing this post shows that I have much, much room to grow. Knowing that fact, however, doesnβt mean I always apply it. My nights are sometimes tied up with, βWhy did I handle it that way? Surely I know better.β
- I tend to take on too much.Β When you do that, you invite worry as long as something hangs over your head. Whatever is left hanging feels especially weighty at night. Β
- The night time is my down time.Β Frankly, I can stay busy enough during the day to push past my worries. At night, though, my mind too easily races in the wrong direction. Couple that tendency with the fact that I often donβt sleep well in general, and worrisome nights can be the result.
Hereβs the bottom line for me: even as a Christian leader, learning to trust God fully is a day-to-day, moment-by-moment task. Actually, itβs a night-by-night task for some of us. With this post, I commit myself to praying each night, βLord, help me to rest in Your love as I sleep tonight.β
Let us know if youβd like us to pray for you as well. May God grant all of us the sweet rest of a baby wrapped in his parentβs arms.
Number five. My difficulty as well. It seems biblical to highly value peace in a congregation and I grieve if my decision or recommendation as pastor becomes a source of conflict.
Will gladly take prayer here as you again Chuck peaked into my heart & life! ππΎππΌππΎ