Turn Cares into Prayers

“Once more, cares are of no use to us, and they cause us great damage. If you were to worry as long as you wished, you could not make yourself an inch taller, or grow another hair on your head, or make one hair white or black. . . . If we forget to pray, do you wonder that we are all in a fidget, and a worry, and we do the first thing that occurs to us, which is generally the worst thing, instead of waiting till we saw what should be done, and then trustfully and believingly doing it as in the sight of God? Care is injurious; but if you only turn this care into prayer, then every care will be a benefit to you” - Charles Spurgeon (MTP 40:112). Taken from the Spurgeon Library (link: https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/blog-entries/19-spurgeon-quotes-for-coping-with-stress-and-anxiety/)

Wasn't sure what to write tonight. I read this quote and found it helpful. I'm certainly no expert on Spurgeon, but the little I know of him, I know that he struggled with periods of sadness and depression, something I and many people in todays world deal with.

The above photo was taken during one such time.

Truth is, Christians are not immune to sadness. There are plenty of examples in Scripture of saints that underwent difficult times as well as depression and deep sorrow. Elijah, Job, even Paul. I'm implying no sinful worry here, I simply want to state that Jesus wept over the situation with Lazarus, and was in agony in the garden.

I admit that many times we bring these times on ourselves, or our response isn't what it ought to be. I claim no immunity to that.

But what Spurgeon says here I think is helpful, and frankly, Biblical.

I'll close it out tonight with this:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7