Going through a season of worry? Read on to find my favorite Bible verses to get me through times of worry.
A Season of Worry
I first wrote this post when I was 11 weeks pregnant with Micah, my fifth born child. I decided to bring it to the front of my blog today because of the current state of the world and uncertainty looming over everyone.
I am worried about people I love getting sick, worried about the death toll in America, and unsure of the economic/financial repercussions of shutting down the world.
If I would have to sum up the last few days in a word, it would be worry.
I will leave the rest of the post the same (from 2017 when I was announcing Micah), but I hope you take some comfort in the scriptures.
Announcing Baby Number 5
I never really planned to make a big official announcement, but I wanted to let you all know I am 11 weeks pregnant with baby number five.
Although I am most definitely super happy to be called to mother another child, there were a few things about this stage of life that I seemed to have forgotten.
I love being pregnant.
It is so amazing to feel those first tiny flutters, and to find the fast and consistent heart tones with the fetoscope. I look forward to those first few contractions that mean baby is finally coming.
It really is such a special time in life to be thankful for.
BUT what I forgot about is the worry!
Oh my goodness, the worry!
It came flooding back the moment I got that first positive pregnancy test.
“I think I drank way too much coffee yesterday.”
”Oh no! Last night I had a glass of wine!”
“Should I really eat that deli meat?”
Worry Scares
I was thinking back to some other crazy worries I have had over the years. Most were completely irrational, but all equally devastating at the time.
First, there was the rabies scare. When my husband and I were newlyweds, he picked up a dead bat. After a few visits to Dr. Google, I was pretty sure “til death do us part” was going to carry us through all of four months. He refused to go to the hospital and get tested. I’ll just skip straight to the ending and tell you he didn’t actually have rabies.
Another time, I made my entire family move into my in-laws’ basement for a week because I realized the linoleum floor my husband had torn out contained asbestos. I felt so stupid for not knowing that was something we should check. I lost a ton of sleep and drove myself crazy researching air scrubbers and mesothelioma remedies. In all honesty, I can still worry about this one if I think long enough about it, so let’s move on.
When my third son was five months old, my husband and two older girls went on a float trip in southern Missouri, while I stayed home with the baby. They had enjoyed a day on the river, and were supposed to be driving home right after that. Well, my husband, who – bless his heart – doesn’t know the complexities and imaginations of the female mind, allowed his phone to go dead. When a four hour drive turned into five and then six, I started to get pretty concerned.
Instead of thinking about all the stops he would have to make with two and four year old girls, for snacks and bathroom breaks, I thought of the windy, treacherous, mostly abandoned, roads. The only logical explanation, in my mind, for them not being home was that they slid off one of the huge cliffs, and no one saw the wreckage. I was literally on the porch wailing (not an exaggeration) when they pulled in the driveway.
Over the course of the last nine years of motherhood, I have over-analyzed my kids’ swollen lymph nodes, left handedness, poop patterns, unstable mood, and every cough and sniffle.
Why does my six year old still throw fits? Certainly this isn’t normal!
Do Not Worry or Be Anxious
The Bible tells us not to worry, and logically I can see why.
These famous quotes kind of put it in perspective:
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
– Leo F. Buscaglia
“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.”
– Winston Churchill
Worry truly does rob us of joy, while never returning any positive results. A key to a short, unhealthy, unhappy life is certainly lots and lots of worry.
Worry Doesn’t Help Anything
One thing I have noticed about worry is it never changes the final outcome.
The bad thing is either going to happen or it isn’t, and worrying won’t change that fact.
I think my propensity to worry stems from a desire to be in control, and then realizing it isn’t possible.
I think I know what I need to be happy, and any alternative possibility wouldn’t allow me to have joy.
Worry does not recognize that God is in control.
God exists and cares about our lives.
He allows things to happen to us that we would not prefer, but He is ultimately in control and works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Since I do not see things from an eternal perspective, things that look really really bad here on Earth can ultimately be used for my benefit.
I was laying in bed the other night, and I was so full of fear. I realized this could be the purpose for the trial I’m going through right now. I was so desperate that the only thing I could do was start praying. For so long, my life has gone so perfectly that I didn’t really find much time to pray. I felt like I didn’t really need the comfort of God’s promises. I, of course, was always still a Christian, but I haven’t always found the time to pray.
Times of worry and stress are awful, and on a human level I hate them, but I can see how God can use those to draw me in.
Obviously I will never fully understand why things happen the way they do here on Earth, and I will probably never completely accept them as good, either.
I have to be honest when I say oftentimes my faith is even smaller than a mustard seed.
But I do know the only place to turn in times of distress is to the One who does understand it all.
My Favorite Scriptures
When I am laying in bed sick with worry, here are my favorite scriptures that always get me through:
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
For God has not given us a sprit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I hope this post was encouraging to you, and that you will be able to use these scriptures next time your imagination comes up with something dreadful that may happen to you or your family.
Thank you for stopping by, friends!
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Crystal Keagy says
Psalm 4:8 and Psalm 62:8 are both verses I have turned to as well in the midst of fear. I definitely have the same worries/fears/anxieties. One time a skunk sprayed outside our window in the middle of the night and I was absolutely convinced it was a gas leak. I made Paul get out of bed and circle the perimeter of the house with his combustible gas detector! That is just one of many instances!
Ellen says
First off, congrats on your pregnancy! So so exciting! Secondly, thank you for sharing this and being so real! I am so looking forward to starting a family someday (hopefully sooner than later!), but worry plagues me too…And sometimes I can’t even fathom how hard it will be to manage once we have littles running around. Your faith and reliance on Scripture really encouraged me though. God truly does use the hard stuff to draw us to Him.
Tammy says
Thank You. I needed to hear this.. Blessings to you!
Tammy
Brittany says
A big congratulations on your pregnancy! Despite what a happy time it is in so many ways, I appreciate your openness and it’s so relatable. When I found out I was pregnant this past December, my mind immediately went from worry that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant to worry about miscarriage. Despite having a healthy pregnancy so far and entering my third trimester tomorrow, I still worry something could go wrong. The STATE I worked myself into when he hadn’t kicked in a day or so was over the top. All that’s to say, while some of us worry more than others and we shouldn’t let it overshadow life’s beautiful experiences, worry is also natural. You’re so right that worrying never changes the final outcome, though! And yet, I’m right there with you with the middle of the night Google sessions and irrational fears. So, from one worrier to another, I wish you a peaceful mind and a healthy pregnancy! There’s plenty to worry about, but also plenty more to celebrate 🙂
Janice says
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Beautiful, isn’t it? You have a very lovely home. 🙂
Lisa Bass says
Ah that is seriously one of my favorites!
Julie Briones says
GREAT post! Preaching to yourself is the best thing… with Scripture and prayer.
When 9/11 happened, I was a COMPLETE and TOTAL mess. I cried all the time for worry and fear. I had to pray (out loud) myself to sleep. Two of my fave verses are Is. 26:3… "He will keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee" (normally don’t like KJV, but I do for this verse). And.. Psalm 4:8 "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Keep trusting Him. He is definitely using these things to bring you closer to Him (as you said).
BTW, I ate deli meat through out both my pregnancies… they didn’t know better back then. And, the Lord has this whole pregnancy in His hands… and He LOVES you!
Julei Briones says
And, YAY on your pregnancy!
Lisa Bass says
Thank you!!
Lisa Bass says
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I know it is something that almost everyone goes through to an extent. And so many of the pregnancy rules have changed over the years. Makes you wonder how serious they really are! Thanks again so much for your thoughtful comment!
Katie @ Character & Charm says
Lisa! First, I want to tell you how happy and excited I am for you! What an amazing gift. I can’t wait to see your cute little baby bump! On another note, although I definitely feel for you that you’re struggling with anxiety, I’m so glad you shared this blog post. I, too, struggle a lot with anxiety and worry, and I know how it can suck the life out of you! Literally. Especially when it’s constant. No fun! I’m praying for you and sending hugs! ❤ Oh, and I loved those two quotes from Winston Churchill and Leo F. Buscaglia… so true!!!
Lisa Bass says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Katie! 🙂 And your prayers are so very much appreciated!!
Rachel says
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers.
Karen says
As I have read many of your newsletters and love what you do, I did wonder if perhaps you were overstretching yourself. Anxiety is another manifestation of a soul and body out of synch. When we are not taking much needed time for ourselves to slow down and just be, the body has a way of reminding us that something is not right and not in balance. I am happy for you that you are finding solace and comfort in your prayers and acknowledging that you need to care of your first before you can care for others.
Worry is part of the ego trying to assert itself. With practice, love and great deal of patience, the worry will fade and calm will take its place.
Namaste Lisa!
Val says
Blessed by this. Thank you!
Kathy says
Hi Lisa, I ran across this (older) post of yours tonight, while reading through a more current one (this blogpost was referenced in it). How very timely and perfect, to find this during a time while our world is being besieged by a virus! In a day where we can’t find a roll of TP on the store shelves, or many other items, and realize that people are filled with anxiety, fear, and more, your reference to these scriptures was perfectly timed for me to read! I have to say, while I totally enjoy reading your blogs, watching your videos, and enjoying the pictures of daily life that you, Luke, and your kiddos are living out, this has to be, by far, the best, most encouraging post that you’ve ever written! Thank you, so much! Only one who has experienced worries, anxiety, and challenges, could share from the heart, like you did! And because of that, your reflections are believable, and teachable. Keep up the great ‘from the heart’ blogging. And while you’re at it, bump this post up, all on its own, it’s much needed! Thanks again, loved every word! ~ Kathy
Rose says
I can so identify. Thank you for sharing these beautiful scriptures. They are my go-to scriptures as well.
Denise says
Beautiful! Thank you so much, Lisa!❤🙏🥰
Kristen says
I read this at 2am this morning and needed this. I’m 37 weeks pregnant, paranoid about having gone to the doctors and store earlier in the day plus having a two year old and husband to worry about if I did get sick. I was just going through my blog feed to distract me and not necessarily find something to make me feel better. But it helped me calm down so much to realize worrying about something that may not happen won’t give me control I want, just make me miserable. Thank you for posting this.
Jenna says
I love to read things from good people and I think you are one of them. Thank you for sharing A piece of your heart today. I love the scriptures and the peace they give me as I read and ponder them and pray.
And thank you for your sourdough pancake post. That has become a staple at our house for over a year now.
Lea says
Thank you for re-sharing this!!!!
Diane says
I found this post while reading your post on making a linen dress. What a blessing this post was! Thank you for sharing it at this time when sorry and anxiety can consume and rob us of our faith and joy. Blessings on you and yours❤️
Lisa says
Thank you for pointing us to God and His promises and comforting words. No matter what our worry, He is, as you say, sovereign AND loving even when we don’t understand! Pregnancies, babies, sickness, loss, catastrophe…He uses all these to draw us to Him.
Jordan says
Just wanted to leave a heartfelt thank-you note. I got myself all worked up and worried after getting gorilla glue on my fingers last night while trying to repair my grandmother’s old ironstone pitcher the cats broke. I was so scared the chemicals in the glue might get into the bloodstream and harm the baby. I was led to this post and I already feel so much better. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
KathaleenK says
Thank you for sharing this, it has reminded me again to think of God’s words. I think I was born worried, it’s a everyday occurrence for me; anxiety.
I also admire all of the amazing things you and your family do.
Margaret says
My kids are college/ high school age now when I came across two books that put my fears in perspective. “Unseen” and “Adore” by
Sara Hagerty – I truly wish I read them 20 years ago.!
Love to all of you!
Jane says
It is no easier for atheists, trust me.
Nearly everyone who’s ever lived has had little-to-no control over their fate (weather, illness, starvation, wars….you get it). Those of us enjoying the last 100 years in first world nations have enjoyed some semblance of control, which has ironically caused us more anxiety and worry because we erroneously believe we have far more control than we do.
So we do all of the right things, which is a good idea. My good friend had a diet worthy of praise, with no red meat but tons of fresh whole foods. A processed food hadn’t entered her body for over 30 years. She exercised daily, including meditation. Her grandparents lived into their 90’s, as did both her parents (still living) when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Not a single member of her family has had cancer. Not one. She was incredulous that she – of all people – would have cancer. Four month after successful surgery resection of the cancer she started to almost imperceptibly slur her words. Summer of 2020 she died of ALS, bulbar onset.
False sense of control.
We do our level best in life using the tools we have, like any species. Ultimately, our journeys are dictated by a trillion events and genetics that put us in the path of outcomes – good and bad, usually benign – that we live out.
It’s okay anyway. 🙂