A Choke Hold
A Choke Hold
By
Allen D. Edge
Worry
1dialect British : choke, strangle2 a: to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat b: to shake or pull at with the teeth <a terrier worrying a rat> c: to touch or disturb something repeatedly d: to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling3 a: to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : torment b: to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort4: to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
(Webster Dictionary)
I am not a fan of the WWF (World Wrestling Federation), nor am I an expert in the fine art of wrestling. However, in my youth I used to look at the Saturday Afternoon wrestling and, of course, my older brother and I would wrestle for hours sometimes. The object of wrestling is to bring your opponent to a point of submission. The beaten adversary would have to slap on the floor or make some vocal affirmation of submission to get released from the extremely uncomfortable and painful position that their adversary has managed to get them in. One of the more effective holds or moves that can bring an opponent to submission is the “Choke Hold”. If a wrestler can put their opponent in a position that restricts their ability to breath, their opponent will have to either “tap out” or pass out from lack of oxygen.
Worry is one of the most effective moves that we can make against ourselves to choke the life out of our progress, dreams, and our health (literally).
It is a scientific fact that worry and unforgiveness can alter cellular structure in the human body. This cellular alteration is commonly known as cancer. Worry causes the secretion of acidic fluids in the digestive tract that causes ulcers. Excessive worry can even cause strokes. There is even a new slang expression that cautions “don’t stroke out about it”. Jesus also cautions us in His word.
It is written: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34)
Jesus says “do not worry” three times in this passage. He does not offer it up as a suggestion. He flat out tells us “do not worry”. It is also written: “Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." (Luke 8:50) Therefore, if Jesus says do something and we refuse to do it, then we are in disobedience. Regardless of the circumstances, rationalizations, and/or excuses, disobedience is disobedience and its consequences are sure to follow. It is written: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:10)
While worrying is not productive, it is a scientific fact that it is destructive.
Jesus speaks to the ineffectiveness of worry in verse 27 (Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?) While worrying is not productive, it is a scientific fact that it is destructive. The very definition or worry is “strangle”. When the brain is deprived of oxygen for a short period of time, you lose consciousness and you may even experience irreversible brain damage. Worry chokes off the creative power of your mind. The creative solutions and answers to plaguing questions are probably right there in your mind, but worry has choked off the life flow.
Well let’s be realistic. How do you shut off fearful stimuli such as threatening bills, health challenges, family challenges, and other challenges that you perceive to be insurmountable? One of the most effective methods of relief is displacement. Reciting your concerns over and over does not bring about a solution. It does not mean you are being conscientious. You are only magnifying the problem. However, if you displace the concern with other productive thoughts, you not only have a respite from worry, but you are now releasing the flow of creativity that can solve problems and/or even put concerns in their proper perspective.
It is vital that we displace the world’s message with the Gospel every chance we get.
It is written: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
(Psalms 1:1-3)
From this scripture we see the result benefit of protecting our “sense gates”, our eyes, ears, and mental stimuli. It is difficult to distance yourself from negative people and their input when you live with them, but as much as humanly possible we should surround ourselves with positive affirming input. That’s why it so important that we do not forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers. We are bombarded by the world’s message everyday. Therefore, it is vital that we displace the world’s message with the Gospel every chance we get.
There is power in humility.
Worry can also come from pride. We must admit that sometimes we have a high regard for our intelligence and experience. We feel if we can’t figure it out it can’t be done. We only pray as a last resort and even then we pray that God cosigns our great idea. There is power in humility. You can’t put water in a bucket that’s already filled to the brim. Only when we empty ourselves and admit our weakness is God’s strength realized. It is written: “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." All the men of Judah , with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem ! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.” (2nd Chronicles 20:12-15)
When we decrease God increases.
The most significant and wisest thing that King Jehoshaphat did was admit his limitations. Subsequently we see “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah”. Even more significant in this passage is the statement “For the battle is not yours, but God's.” The prophet of God reminded the chosen people of the covenant relationship that they had with God. When you are in covenant with God, your problems are God’s problems. Your enemies are God’s enemies. Hallelujah! When we decrease God increases.
It is written: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3: 5-8)
This is wisdom. Like King Jehoshaphat, submit all to God, trust Him and cease from depending on your own limited and flawed thought processes and even your physical body will be made well. Unchecked worry can put a “Choke Hold” on a person that will cause them to “tap out” submission of a final nature, suicide. We, as believers, must make the decision to be “believers” or not. Rick Warren teaches in his book “Purpose Driven Life” that those who have God as the center of their life, worship and those who do not, worry. Let’s come into agreement now to trust in God and His covenant promises and throw off the choke hold of worry and breathe. Selah.
Other options? Comments, questions, considerations, ideas? Hit reply or email the author at LeviteToday@yahoo.com.
Allen D. Edge is an actor, comedian, professional speaker, performance coach, ordained minister, and author of The Levite Today, The Levite Today uncovers the power of the arts in biblical communications in the past and the present. Allen blogs regularly at his blog site, http://tepinc.blogspot.com/
Copyright @2016: Feel free to share this post with whomever you believe will appreciate it. If you’d like to use any part of it (up to 200 words), please give full attribution and this blog site, http://tepinc.blogspot.com/
By
Allen D. Edge
Worry
1dialect British : choke, strangle2 a: to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat b: to shake or pull at with the teeth <a terrier worrying a rat> c: to touch or disturb something repeatedly d: to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling3 a: to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : torment b: to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort4: to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
(Webster Dictionary)
I am not a fan of the WWF (World Wrestling Federation), nor am I an expert in the fine art of wrestling. However, in my youth I used to look at the Saturday Afternoon wrestling and, of course, my older brother and I would wrestle for hours sometimes. The object of wrestling is to bring your opponent to a point of submission. The beaten adversary would have to slap on the floor or make some vocal affirmation of submission to get released from the extremely uncomfortable and painful position that their adversary has managed to get them in. One of the more effective holds or moves that can bring an opponent to submission is the “Choke Hold”. If a wrestler can put their opponent in a position that restricts their ability to breath, their opponent will have to either “tap out” or pass out from lack of oxygen.
Worry is one of the most effective moves that we can make against ourselves to choke the life out of our progress, dreams, and our health (literally).
It is a scientific fact that worry and unforgiveness can alter cellular structure in the human body. This cellular alteration is commonly known as cancer. Worry causes the secretion of acidic fluids in the digestive tract that causes ulcers. Excessive worry can even cause strokes. There is even a new slang expression that cautions “don’t stroke out about it”. Jesus also cautions us in His word.
It is written: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:25-34)
Jesus says “do not worry” three times in this passage. He does not offer it up as a suggestion. He flat out tells us “do not worry”. It is also written: “Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." (Luke 8:50) Therefore, if Jesus says do something and we refuse to do it, then we are in disobedience. Regardless of the circumstances, rationalizations, and/or excuses, disobedience is disobedience and its consequences are sure to follow. It is written: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:10)
While worrying is not productive, it is a scientific fact that it is destructive.
Jesus speaks to the ineffectiveness of worry in verse 27 (Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?) While worrying is not productive, it is a scientific fact that it is destructive. The very definition or worry is “strangle”. When the brain is deprived of oxygen for a short period of time, you lose consciousness and you may even experience irreversible brain damage. Worry chokes off the creative power of your mind. The creative solutions and answers to plaguing questions are probably right there in your mind, but worry has choked off the life flow.
Well let’s be realistic. How do you shut off fearful stimuli such as threatening bills, health challenges, family challenges, and other challenges that you perceive to be insurmountable? One of the most effective methods of relief is displacement. Reciting your concerns over and over does not bring about a solution. It does not mean you are being conscientious. You are only magnifying the problem. However, if you displace the concern with other productive thoughts, you not only have a respite from worry, but you are now releasing the flow of creativity that can solve problems and/or even put concerns in their proper perspective.
It is vital that we displace the world’s message with the Gospel every chance we get.
It is written: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
(Psalms 1:1-3)
From this scripture we see the result benefit of protecting our “sense gates”, our eyes, ears, and mental stimuli. It is difficult to distance yourself from negative people and their input when you live with them, but as much as humanly possible we should surround ourselves with positive affirming input. That’s why it so important that we do not forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers. We are bombarded by the world’s message everyday. Therefore, it is vital that we displace the world’s message with the Gospel every chance we get.
There is power in humility.
Worry can also come from pride. We must admit that sometimes we have a high regard for our intelligence and experience. We feel if we can’t figure it out it can’t be done. We only pray as a last resort and even then we pray that God cosigns our great idea. There is power in humility. You can’t put water in a bucket that’s already filled to the brim. Only when we empty ourselves and admit our weakness is God’s strength realized. It is written: “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." All the men of Judah , with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem ! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.” (2nd Chronicles 20:12-15)
When we decrease God increases.
The most significant and wisest thing that King Jehoshaphat did was admit his limitations. Subsequently we see “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah”. Even more significant in this passage is the statement “For the battle is not yours, but God's.” The prophet of God reminded the chosen people of the covenant relationship that they had with God. When you are in covenant with God, your problems are God’s problems. Your enemies are God’s enemies. Hallelujah! When we decrease God increases.
It is written: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3: 5-8)
This is wisdom. Like King Jehoshaphat, submit all to God, trust Him and cease from depending on your own limited and flawed thought processes and even your physical body will be made well. Unchecked worry can put a “Choke Hold” on a person that will cause them to “tap out” submission of a final nature, suicide. We, as believers, must make the decision to be “believers” or not. Rick Warren teaches in his book “Purpose Driven Life” that those who have God as the center of their life, worship and those who do not, worry. Let’s come into agreement now to trust in God and His covenant promises and throw off the choke hold of worry and breathe. Selah.
Other options? Comments, questions, considerations, ideas? Hit reply or email the author at LeviteToday@yahoo.com.
Allen D. Edge is an actor, comedian, professional speaker, performance coach, ordained minister, and author of The Levite Today, The Levite Today uncovers the power of the arts in biblical communications in the past and the present. Allen blogs regularly at his blog site, http://tepinc.blogspot.com/
Copyright @2016: Feel free to share this post with whomever you believe will appreciate it. If you’d like to use any part of it (up to 200 words), please give full attribution and this blog site, http://tepinc.blogspot.com/
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