How can we help but worry? So many tragedies and so much that come at us, so much out of our control. So, how do we find that freedom from worry?
Did you notice that some people who have fame, money, prestige, good looks and possessions end their lives tragically? Could it be they mistakenly entered through wrong gate?
Hurricane Irma left holes in the screen closure of our swimming pool, a perfect entrance for wild creatures.
It didn’t take long before that happened. Our grandchildren squealed with excitement when they saw one of those four-legged creatures few feet away from them. We watched the squirrel go from here to there.
“She doesn’t want to play. She wants to get out,” my grandkids said.
Her bushy tail followed her as she scurried from corner to corner, trying to find the way out. Hubby opened both screen doors wide to make her exit easier.
But she dashed right by the opened doors until she spotted the same hole she used to come in. Silly squirrel. She missed the wide-open doors.
She must have known if she took the same small opening, the territory would be safe and familiar.
We’re the same way, aren’t we? We always choose the familiar.
And sadly, rather than finding reassurance, peace and security, we end up scurrying from here to there heading to the familiar worry spot. But pitifully, we miss the gate God had opened for us.
Maybe it’s time we begin looking for the correct gate that leads to the no-worry zone, here are three ways to help make the journey easier.
- Recognize there are always two choices: one that fuels our emotions and one that echoes God’s direction.
- Store in your heart God’s truth that says that you’ll never add an hour to your life by worrying.
- Listen closely to God’s whisper to give you the answer, the path and the destination when trapped by worry.
“Enter at the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who are going through it, because small is the gate and narrow is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
Father, open gates are all around us, luring us. They beckon us to enter into the world’s traps. Teach me to be among those few who trust rather than worry, who believe rather than fear and to seek you rather than end up lost. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What gate will you choose to enter today? {eoa}
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and author of four books. She helps thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
