Why Worry?

Jun26

I read this Erma Bombeck quote at the end of my morning devotion yesterday: “Worry is like a rocking chair; it will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” It struck a nerve with me as I contemplated everything I could dwell on from world situations like the ongoing Iran situation or the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, to family situations or health challenges. It seems that every day there is more disturbing news on a personal, local, national or world-wide level. There is a momentary or perhaps lingering disruption of normalcy and peace. Is it any wonder that many people need some sort of help, whether it be counseling or medication? Recent reported studies have even concluded that young people are more distracted and even troubled today by the device that seems permanently attached to their hand – their cell phone. Worry has become a part of everyday life. How do we remove ourselves from that rocking chair that’s getting us nowhere?

As a Christian, I find comfort in prayer and seeking Bible verses that remind me of God’s promises. Philippians 4:6-7 tells me: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for what He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

I Peter 5:6-7 adds: “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

Matthew 6:25-34 gives a masterclass of wisdom in speaking about why we shouldn’t worry, mentioning God’s care for birds and flowers and telling us not to worry about everyday life. The passage sums it up by stating …”Your Heavenly Father knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

There are many other encouraging verses that can ease your anxious thoughts. Here’s your assignment – look up John 14:27, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Joshua 1:9. These are a few more wise and comforting verses; then believe and trust what you are reading.

These times we live in are not for the faint of heart, but we who know the Lord do not walk them alone. God has promised to “never leave or forsake us.” That’s another verse worth reading – Hebrews 13:5. Be encouraged.

God bless – Sue

Rededicated to God

Jun1

Several weeks ago, thousands of people gathered in Washington, DC, for “Rededicate 250 – A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving.” This was a major prayer gathering event, scheduled as part of the preparations for America’s 250th anniversary. It invited citizens to the National Mall, to give thanks for the country’s history and rededicate it as “one nation under God.” For nine hours attendees focused on prayer, religious expression, and reflection on the nation’s spiritual roots ahead of the 2026 250th-anniversary celebrations. Almost immediately, there were people down-playing the event and stating that America wasn’t established as a Christian nation. They are entitled to their opinion, but historical documents, letters, and facts point otherwise.

Before the Pilgrims settled in Massachusetts in 1620, before they even left their ship at Cape Cod, they wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact which stated:

“IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid: And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience.IN WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape-Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Domini; 1620.”

The compact is widely celebrated as the first document in the New World to establish self-governance and rule of law based on the consent of the governed. Because the settlers had no official royal patent for the Massachusetts territory, they created their own legitimate authority. Even though I had to research the original document because Google’s references didn’t mention a religious context to the first historical document establishing America, the wording is there – “In the name of God,” “By the grace of God,” “for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith,” “in the Presence of God” – you get the idea. America was established for freedom of religion first and the establishment of rule of law by the consent of the governed, next.

This principle of popular consent and social compact was also written into the Declaration of Independence where God is mentioned as the Creator who endowed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also affirms Him as the Supreme Judge of the World to whom they appeal. The framers of this most important document then mutually pledge their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor,” saying they rely on Divine Providence to protect them. It has been said that out of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, the vast majority identified as Christians. While they represented different denominations, nearly all acknowledged God as the source of human rights.

God was there in 1620, in many historical documents that followed, and He is here today, waiting for us to follow 2 Chronicles 7:14. Look it up – God promises to heal our broken land if we return to Him. The rededication of America to God on May 17 was an important step in saving our country from the evil that is attacking it. I would encourage naysayers to learn our history, which unfortunately has not been adequately taught for a long time.

God bless – Sue

Finish Strong

May10

Have you talked to a student or teacher lately? If so, you probably have heard that these are stressful, tiring days. During the years that I taught sixth and eighth graders, I felt that stress, but would say those two words of the title of this post repeatedly to encourage my classes and myself to keep working hard. Those last four to six weeks of the school year, filled with continued learning, standardized testing, and end-of-year activities are the most challenging part of the school year – not only for students, but also for teachers. Many of the adults in the building needed the same encouragement, as each day brought the need for added patience at a time when that commodity was running low.

As the years passed, there were other times when exhaustion hit and the urge to just stop, to quit, was tempting. The race of life can be hard at times. How much easier would it be if I just walked away from that class, that job, that relationship? However, what would be the long-term loss? I imagine you have felt the same way at times. Let me encourage you as well to program those two words into the back of your mind, pray for wisdom, and finish strong! It will help you power through those tough times in life.

So in the midst of all the current activities, enjoy these days of college graduations, high school proms, and middle and elementary school celebrations, as the days of this school year seemingly evaporate. The final result should make you proud.

God bless – Sue

Easter’s Over – Now What?

Apr9

The pattern is the same for all holidays – there’s a big buildup, and then it’s over. Halloween costumes and candy start appearing before kids are back in school. Likewise Christmas decorations, wrappings, and suggested gifts are sometimes on the shelves before all the scary-type stuff is removed. Then those holidays are over and we wait for next year. I think Easter is different. Let me explain why?

The answer is simple – because Jesus rose from the dead, believers in Him are promised a similar outcome. We are Easter-people! Those who follow the teachings of Christ, are taught that He is the resurrection and the life. That when you believe in Him, you will live again even if you die. Followers will rise again, and have eternal life with their Savior; it is our blessed hope.

Here are a few examples from scripture to explain this point: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25-26)

“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man (Adam) came death, by a man (Jesus) has come also the resurrection of the dead.” (I Cor. 15:20-22)

There are many more, but I think my favorite is from I Cor. 15:54-57 which emphatically declares, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” My husband and I concluded our younger son’s obituary with this verse, believing that his death was not the end, but that we will see him again as he trusted in Jesus as his Savior.

The “Now What” of the title of this post is so important. I hope you have the same mindset as I do. Easter makes all the difference – for now and eternity.

God bless – Sue

Ultimate Power

Mar21

These are troubling times, as every day we see pictures of devastation caused by the bombing of strategic targets in Iran. The precision and destruction of these military strikes demonstrate the awesome power of bunker-busting bombs on multiple Iranian targets. Weaponry continues to evolve, becoming more and more deadly. Is this true power? If not, what is? Maybe a huge tornado tearing through towns in the Midwest, or a category 5 hurricane with a name many will not soon forget.

Let me introduce you to another thought. Everything we have or are going to experience in life is in the hands of the God who created all things. He has orchestrated the actions of kings, rulers, and presidents down through history to achieve His purposes and for His glory. He knew years ago before I was even born that I would write this post because it was in His plan for my life. Incredibly, He knows you too and wants a relationship with you because of His love for you. He, this God, is the Ultimate Power in life – not the bombs that are dropping or the storms that I mentioned. That awesome God opened the door to a committed closeness with each of us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, for me … and you. Do you know Him – the One whose resurrection we will celebrate on Easter? He’s waiting for you to invite Him into your life. When you do, that Ultimate Power will be with you forever.

God bless – Sue

This entry was posted on March 21, 2026. 1 Comment