By Ken Parks, 06/22/2014, Sunday
Throughout our lives storms come and
go. As Jesus said, it rains on the just and unjust alike.
One of the storms in my life was a
divorce whereby the proceedings lasted nearly 18 months, including a
child custody issue. In retrospect, I view this past as one of the
most difficult times of my life, filled with worry, anxiety,
depression, and physical ailments as a result of the former issues.
The adulterous wife behind my back and
in secret had a long term affair with the cousin of Calvin Simmons,
the leader of a cult type religious business. I had discovered this
affair after my brother told me that something is going on and you
should find out.
I placed a voice-activated tape recorder on the
home telephone line. The discovery took place upon the first
recording. I made further recordings, and discovered her intent to
get rid of me in favor of her lover, Mike McClure.
Other factors contributed to the
depression, worry, anxiety and physical ailments. I was a mess. It
wasn't until years later, that I had determined to be clinically
depressed during that time. I had to find a way to recover. Instead
of seeking doctors, counselors, and psychologists with the
possibility of having to take medicines, I resorted to Scriptures to
get me through this mess.
I learned from the Master, Jesus my
Lord and Savior. I applied His teachings.
I found out that the word “worry”
comes from an old English word that means “to strangle.” And,
that's what worry does to a person, it strangles their thought
process, creates a suffocating havoc and can easily lead to medical
ailments.
I realized that I had to supersede
“worry” (the thoughts of Satan) with God's Word and His command,
“Do not worry.” This was not a one time fix, but rather a
continual spiritual battle, moment by moment. I was being attacked
from all sides, even when I thought things were going okay. A whiff
of a perfume, a certain song, and a location would be a reminder of
how things used to be and how they should be. I would cry... cry
uncontrollably!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. - Phil. 4:6, NIV
It is through prayer and praise that I
recognized that only God, though His Word, will I be able to win this
continual battle through the divorce, custody issue, and the
resultant “single-Dad” trauma. I had to completely place my
trust in my Lord and Savior.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because
He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
This massive burden was overwhelming.
All of the Positive Thinking books that
I had read back in the 70's was like putting a band-aid on a severed
leg. I had come to realize all of the humanism practiced by
so-called pastors on the subject of “Positive Thinking” was not
going to resolve my problems.
Other Scriptures came to surface during
these stressful times. The father of lies is out to steal, kill, and
destroy. He had used the wife of my youth, a cult, and others to
inflict their hatred, their deeds of darkness, and their secret
filthy plans, all of which they think they were doing the will of God
. I found out who were my friends and who were my enemies.
Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs
3:5-6
About my Life: And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have
been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
About my Provisions: So do not
worry , saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?”
or “What shall we wear?” - Matthew 6:31 I discover through
His Word that uncompromising love for Christ banishes “worry”
from my mind and soul. But perfect love drives out fear. –
1 John 4:18 And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 4:19
About my future: Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day
has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34 This does not mean to
have concern and be prepared for the future. The emphasis is “do
not worry.” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power. - Ephesians 6:10 And surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age. - Matthew 28:20
It should be noted from the Scriptures
that not only does “worry” have a devastating and destructive
effect upon us, but it is a sin against God. “Worry” is open
rebellion and disobedience to the will of God. Worry is sinful on
three (3) counts.
- Worry doubts God's love.
- Worry shuts down God's wisdom
- Worry attacks God's power
The Lord disciplines those he loves
and he punishes everyone he accepts as his son. – Hebrews 12:6
No discipline seems pleasant at the
time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. -
Hebrews 12:11
The calamities and adversities we face
do not simply happen by chance. They are the visible revelation of
God's merciful providence. For it has been granted on behalf of
Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. -
Phil. 1:29
No temptation has seized you accept
what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be
tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will
also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. - 1
Cor. 10:13
A righteous man may have many
troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. – Psalms
34:19
Living through the worry, anxiety, and
depression... studying and applying the Scriptures, I managed to come
up with a 10-point list as follows:
- Renounce all “worry” (audible) and pray specifically with contentment to God the Father. (Phil. 4:6)
- Give God permission to guard your heart. (Phil. 4:7)
- Think about positive righteous (Godly) things. (Phil. 4:8)
- Focus your thoughts on God. (Isa. 26:3)
- Use your spiritual weapons. (2 Cor. 10:4-6)
- Exercise your faith in God (apply what you have learned). (Matt. 6:25-24, 7:7-11)
- Put on the spiritual protection of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- Live and walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-26)
- Do not cast away confidence. (Heb. 3:6, 12-14, 10:19-23)
- Give God your burden. (1 Peter 5:7)
Therefore... worry not.
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