Warning: Worry Ahead

While visiting the deserts of Arizona, I decided to go for a walk at dusk. Before I headed out, my father-in-love warned me of all the potential dangers. He said, "there might be javalinas [wild pigs] ready to attack if you get between them and their young. Also there are Africanized bees swarming in the area, and other insects, which are known to be quite dangerous. One neighbor south of me was attacked and barely survived."

My mind raced with all of these potential fears as I determined to go for my daily walk anyway. Being smart about my surroundings, I decided to enjoy the night air. Grabbing an umbrella to use as a walking stick, out I went on my journey. I was warned to be vigilant, and vigilant I was! My heightened senses picked up every signal of nature, which I used to my benefit.

Rather than worrying about what might come, I focused on the landscape: God's handiwork. My eyes beheld the majestic mountain ranges. My ears heard a scurry of activity as I discovered a baby cottontail rabbit on the side of the road. I scanned the heavens and found a crescent moon and one lone star. The gentle breeze wrapped its arms around me. I smelled the fresh air of dusk.

If I would have been overly concerned about the "what ifs" I would never have enjoyed the "for sures." Worry can be devastating when allowed to run rampant. It destroys any quality of life. Yes, we are to be vigilant (not just of our surroundings, but of Satan's wiles). But vigilance should only be one small aspect of our mindset. Filling our minds with our present sensational surroundings should be a priority. I'm glad I went for that walk. Not only was it pleasant from a physical standpoint (the hills and valleys were especially challenging); the walk was pleasant from a spiritual standpoint. I felt a oneness with the God of the universe. My Heavenly Father communed with me during this solitary walk.

How is your walk with God? Is it filled with worries about what might be around the bend in the road? Or is it filled with the peace and joy of knowing Him in an intimate way?

PRAYER: May today be a day of complete assurance as I entrust my life fully into Your hands.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” Philippians 4:6 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Kathy Carlton Willis, wife to Russ, pastor’s wife to many, business owner, author, editor, publicist and speaker. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications encompasses her many passions. Learn more at: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/