Copyright 2016 Gary Zimak
Published by Beacon Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture passages have been taken from the Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Copyright 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Quotes are taken from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America (indicated as CCC), 2nd ed. Copyright 1997 by United States Catholic ConferenceLibreria Editrice Vaticana.
ISBN: 978-1-942611-65-3 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-942611-66-0 (softcover)
Cover design: Connie Gabbert
Interior: Finer Points Productions
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Zimak, Gary, author.
Title: Stop worrying and start living: 365 reflections / Gary Zimak.
Description: New, Expanded Third Edition. | North Palm Beach: Beacon Publishing, 2016. | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016027346| ISBN 9781942611653 (hardcover: alk. paper) |
ISBN 9781942611660 (softcover: alk. paper) |
ISBN 9781942611677 (ebook: alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: WorryReligious aspectsCatholic Church. | Devotional calendarsCatholic Church. | Catholic ChurchDoctrines.
Classification: LCC BV4908.5 .Z567 2016 |
DDC 242/.4dc23
[1]
Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
God doesnt want you to worry, and he says so many times in the pages of the Bible. He also doesnt expect you to stop worrying all by yourself. He wants to help you and is willing to hold your hand and walk with you each day if youll let him.
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for many years, I know just how painful it can be. After years of panic attacks, digestive problems, heart palpitations, and sleepless nights, I have discovered that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can keep my worrying under control and allow me to experience peace. If it works for me, it can work for you.
In the following pages, youll be able to hear God speak to you each day. Along with a short Bible verse (his inspired words), I have included a meditation that will assist you in living in his presence. Although the daily reading will only take a few minutes of your time, I encourage you to continue to meditate on it as you go about your daily routines. Im confident that doing so will bring you a greater sense of peace. How can I be so sure? Not because I know you and your abilities. I dont. But I do know Jesus, and I know what happens when someone enters more deeply into a relationship with him. Reading his words in the Bible, speaking to him in prayer, spending time in his presence, and receiving the sacraments will change your life. Youll discover for yourself why he is called the Prince of Peace!
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
(NOTE: Anxiety often has a biological component and sometimes must be treated with therapy and/or medication. Jesus can heal in many ways. If the verses and meditations contained in this book do not bring about a decrease in your anxiety, I strongly urge you to seek professional help. In certain cases, it may be necessary.)
JANUARY 1 And Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) | |
Every day you and I have the opportunity to say yes to God. On the other hand we are also able to say no. Sometimes we forget that the Blessed Mother had free will and could have rejected Gabriels invitation to become the mother of the Messiah. Mary wasnt given all the answers up front. She was told what God wanted her to know and that was it. Because of her great trust and her desire to do Gods will, however, she consented to the request. As a result of her obedience, we received our Savior, who opened the gates of heaven for us.
Are you dealing with uncertainty right now? Is it hard to imagine why particular things are happening in your life? Mary understands. Ask her to help you trust in Gods plan for your life and for the grace to say yes to whatever he sends your way.
Mary, please help me to accept whatever happens in my life, and grant me the grace to say yes to God, even when Im frightened.
| JANUARY 2 Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) |
One of the greatest sources of anxiety is the overwhelming guilt caused by sin. Fortunately Gods words to the prophet Isaiah remind us that there is no need to despair. Jesus is waiting to meet us in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Are you tired of carrying around the guilt of many sins? There is an answer. Take advantage of this great outpouring of Gods mercy and make the decision to confess your sins, no matter how overwhelming they may be. You will not only feel peace, but youll get to experience Gods love and mercy firsthand!
God, Im sorry for the times I have turned my back on you. I long for the peace of knowing that Im doing your will. I look forward to meeting you in this great sacrament of healing.
JANUARY 3 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! (Psalm 100:1) | |
How joyful are you today? No matter how bleak your life looks or what problems you are facing, God has given you another dayand he has big plans for you. He loves you unconditionally; nothing you do will ever change that. Everything that will happen to you today is sent by God as an expression of his love and designed to help you get to heaven. Finally, you have been created by God because he wants to share his joy with you. Feeling better?
While its easy to forget facts like these when were bombarded with the problems and challenges of daily life, its important that we spend some time thinking about the many blessings we have received from God. The problems of this life are temporary, but the kingdom of heaven lasts forever. Rejoice and be glad!
Thank you for blessing me in so many ways, God. Help me to be more grateful!
