So long, Anxious Heart

I scan my list… Do I have everything? What if I forget something? I swallow the lump that is growing in my throat. My heart starts to beat faster. I glance down at my watch… Should I leave now? Or do I have more time?

If you have been hanging out with me here at 7 Days Time for a while, you have figured out that I am something of a worrywart. Honestly, it is super annoying and exhausting. Fortunately, God has used 2012 (and a majority of my adult life) to slowly but surely start weaning me from worrying. But he’s not done yet.

I’ve always heard that worry is like a rocking chair– it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere. (Can I get an amen?!?!) And let’s not forget to mention that worrying is a sin… Every time we let our mind/heart melt into that puddle of anxiety, it is like we are saying that God isn’t enough and we don’t REALLY trust His plan for us.

Just the other day, I was pouring out my heart to my sweet husband about my current worries that I was battling: Health, family, finances, army life, future etc. And that wonderful man spoke some much-needed (but kinda difficult) truth into my life:

“Sharita… there are ALWAYS going to be things we CAN worry about. But we have a choice… We can choose to worry or choose to simply TRUST GOD.”

Sigh. I don’t know about you, but I have a long way to go…

But here’s the awesome and encouraging news: We don’t have to go alone. God has given us tools and community to combat this issue in our life.

Which leads to my BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for today. Ready? I hope you are sitting down…

If you are a worrier, know a worrier, have been a worrier, worry that you might become a worrier (ha!) or anything of the sort, I invite you to come on a journey– a journey to calm our anxious hearts.

Eternal Youth

I don’t know about you… but I could definitely use a makeover.
(Source: Jan Tik @ Flickr)

Starting September 9, my friend/boss/mentor Kelli Wommack and I will be offering a bible study called “Calm My Anxious Heart” by Linda Dillow on Sunday nights from 5 – 6:30 pm at Christ Community Church in Columbus, GA for those of you who are local and can attend.

For those of you who aren’t local (which I know is a majority of my audience,) beginning September 10, we will be offering this study via online right here at 7 Days Time and on Facebook! WHOOT! Cool, huh? So whether you are local or in South America, you can participate! We are super excited about this and will be giving more details very soon. So if you are interested in either the Sunday night study or the online study, please let me know by leaving a comment below. Oh, and please share this with your friends if you think they might be interested!

I have a sneaky suspicion that this could change ALL of our lives. I’m not even kidding. I’m stoked. And hope you are too!

I feel incredibly blessed that God has placed this opportunity for us to trade our anxiety for trust– together, as a community, both online and in person. Please, if this study sounds like something God has brought across your path for a reason, don’t be shy– jump aboard and let’s prepare to let God transform our hearts and minds. Again, leave a comment below so I can get you signed up 🙂

It’s time my friends… Time to say “So long, anxious heart.”  Who’s with me?

Goodbye worries, Hello Trust,
SGK

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” ~Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) 

Categories: God, worry | Tags: , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

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34 thoughts on “So long, Anxious Heart

  1. Ida Graham

    I believe I signed up with Kelli but I want to take the online study perhaps coming on Sunday nights too.

  2. Momma Lex

    You know I’m in! So excited!

  3. Morgan

    I’d love to!

    • Wawhoo! I’ve got your name written down, Morgan– be looking for a FB group invite soon and be sure to order the book online as well (the link is in the body above– it’s $10 on Amazon)

      So glad to have you along for this journey!

  4. Andrea Hermreck

    Ok Sharita. I’m an eternal worrier, so this sounds like something I need! Sign me up.

  5. I have to be in!! I AM A WORRIER, ALWAYS BEEN A WORRIER, AND…. DONT WANT TO BE A WORRIER!!!! This is EXACTLY what I need! Cant wait for more details!

  6. Suzanne Cotrel Doyle

    Sharita,

    As usual, I see you are always up to good using your charm and tenacity. I would love to know more about your online class.

    Suzanne

    • Aww shucks– thanks Suzanne!! We will capture your name and shoot you more info as we get closer… Be sure to get a copy of the book online (link is in the blog post above)

  7. Jenny Schooler

    Sharita, I read your blog every day & each one is a blessing to me – but this one is just what I am needing. I was up almost all weekend worrying about an issue that has been going on for the last 2 years and I just can’t seem to give it completely over to God. So I think this Bible study is just the help I would like to keep me on track, per say. Thank you so much for what you are doing. I hope you realize just what you are doing with this blog & your “goals” have become mine. God bless you!! Jenny

    • That’s so challenging, Jenny– and I definitely feel ya. I’ve been a worrier since I was a kid. I’m already praying for God to use this study as a transformational experience and am hopeful that this helps all of us continue on the path to trust Him and kiss our worries goodbye!

      PS: Thanks for the incredibly kind words and encouragement. They blessed me!

  8. I’m workin’ on a Faith Lift right now … thanks for your words (o: God knew I needed those words today ….

  9. Yay Sharita! Sounds like it will be a lot of fun! Not sure if I’m going to be able to do the whole study, but I will for sure be popping by to say HI! 🙂

    • Fun. Transformational. Profound. I have a feeling God will be using all of those descriptors!

      Any level of participation is welcome my friend, so I’m looking forward to your pop-bys!

  10. Tammy Bowen

    Oh my Sharita i so need this! I struggle with this daily. Please sign me up for the online class. Your blog is such an inspiration to me and i look forward to reading it daily!

    • Thanks so much, Tammy– and consider yourself “signed up!” Watch for a Facebook invite soon and more details on here as well.

  11. Oh friend, what a blessing you are to all of us. I am so excited for this opportunity for you and for all of us. I want to join the online study, please. Will it be via this blog and FB or an e-mail kind of thing?

    • Thanks Kayla– I am so happy to have you join us.

      And as far as your question– it is going to be both via this blog, Kelli’s blog (you can tune into one, either, both or neither) as well as a closed Facebook group for prayer/discussion/homework etc.

      Looking forward to growing with you in this!

  12. At our church 2 or 3 years ago, we did that book. It touched many hearts of the ladies. ALSO, your husband’s comment is very strong and very kind. Not many guys seem to have the much wisdom and share it with such love. You are blessed. [And, it is easy for me to become a worrier. After all these years I still have to be careful, but I DO know the only answer is to trust the Lord and rely on Him. I try.]

    • Amen, Joanne– and yes, I am blessed to have such a wise and loving husband. (It’s amazing the profound things that man says when he’s not yelling at baby privates at basic training.) 🙂

  13. Brittany Donley

    Defiantly interested!! Wish I could be there in person but online will be second best.

    • I wish you could be here in person too (or me be there in KS in person!) but I’m looking forward to growing and transforming together online!

      Isn’t technology awesome?

  14. That study is one of my VERY favorite of all time! Such great info and I keep Ella Spee’s tips on an index card at my desk. This book is something to keep on the shelf and read every couple of years to recalibrate.

    Good for you, Sharita! Prayers and blessings to you and Kelli as you lead this group.
    Hugs from VA,
    Susan

    • Wow, Susan– your words get me even MORE excited for this study!! (If it were possible to be more excited.)

      Can’t wait for God to transform some hearts and souls.

      Hugs back atcha from Georgia!

  15. Thank you for sharing at “Tell Me a True Story” about your coming study at church and also here and on FB. Worry is a biggie. I like what your husband sayd: “There are ALWAYS going to be things we CAN worry about. But we have a choice… We can choose to worry or choose to simply TRUST GOD.”
    Your husband is a jewel.

  16. Michelle Tilstra

    I would love to be a part of the online bible study!

  17. I am a person that thinks so much that leads me to worry sometimes. But thanks be to God for always reminding us not to worry. Timely post:) from tell me a story

  18. Pingback: Treasure in Jars of… Salsa?? « 7 Days Time

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