I can go into detail about the many problems I worried about in the past. For example, I used to own a business that went bankrupt. Do you know what God said to me about this? He said, "Your problem, son, is that you don't laugh at the devil."

So I started laughing at the devil. Now my business is successful and money flows into that business like a river.

I didn't know I was supposed to laugh at the devil. But I now know.

Instead of worrying, I just laugh at the devil. And when you laugh, something inevitable happens, you feel joy! When you laugh, you are supposed to have joy. Do you know which joy is inside of you?

Don't Lose Your Strength
The joy of the Lord, which is your strength. That means power. If you lose your joy and start worrying, you won't have any strength. Don't ever lose your joy. I have learned not to allow worry to come inside of me.

Worry almost drove me crazy for years. But I don't let it come in now, because I am the boss over myself. I am responsible for my mind, my body and my spirit. They are like my house. And I keep junk out of my house.

Would you let a thief come into your house and just carry off your couch? Well, I am not going to let a thief of worry come into my house and just carry off my peace. That is very unwise.

A long time ago I made a decision. I decided that I would bring every situation that comes my way to God. I have to get on my face before God and cry out to the throne of God. Every situation that you don't commit to God seems to get messed up.

Make Sure God Is Leading You
It is imperative that you only do those things the Lord directs you to do. Don't go into a business unless God wants you to go into that business. Don't marry someone unless God wants you to. Bring every situation before Him.

Don't worry about the circumstances or decisions in life - just pray. You can't worry and have the peace of God at the same time. And God wants His peace in you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In fact, as long as you worry about a situation, you can't look at it intelligently. When you worry, you cut God off. God doesn't want to be cut off from you, because He loves you.

God wants His children to be delivered from any oppression that the devil brings their way. God desires for His peace to rule in your heart and mind. Although you may be a born-again Christian and a church member, you may need to come to a deeper understanding of the plan of God for your life.

He has made provision through His Word and through the Blood of Jesus so that you can be set free from worry, mental confusion, fear, condemnation and a weak spirit. If you allow God to shine His glory in your life, you will live a victorious life.

Source: Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled by Norvel Hayes.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers