Whether you realized it or not, November has become a month of rituals! I’m sure you’re aware of the popular November slogan/hashtag #noshavenovember. It’s a ritual where men let their facial hair grow to unsavory lengths throughout the month of November, with seemingly no regard for how anyone else feels about it. I know how my husband feels about shaving, and so I can see the appeal of such a ritual.

Another ritual is the “Thankful for…” daily status update on Facebook/Twitter. I love this tradition, as it helps focus our minds on our blessings and the one Who has blessed us. But, I think we can do one better. I think that this November, Christians should institute a new ritual–one that will help our spiritual journeys and relationships with God. I’m calling it No-Worry November.

Since we are already honing our minds in on our blessings and how thankful we are that God has freely granted us the good gifts (James 1:17), it is only fitting that we couple that thought with not worrying. Paul linked the two in Philippians 4:6, telling us,

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (emp. added).

This month, instead of worrying (which is sin, by the way), let us instead make November a month of prayer–that should be filled with extreme thanksgiving. Any time we start to feel ‘overwhelmed’ or ‘stressed’ – society buzzwords that often means worried – we need to remind ourselves of #noworrynovember, and give that problem over to God. Paul went on to say that God will grant us peace if we will give Him our troubles (Phil.4:7), meaning that we will come away from this month feeling peace and refreshment and tranquility. And, as an added bonus, if we can go the entire month catching ourselves every time we start to worry, we will develop a habit (it takes roughly a month, sometimes longer–but we’ll be well on our way!), and we will rid ourselves of that sin problem!

So, join me, please, in a #noworrynovember. Make a list, pray about those things daily, and thank God for all of the rich ways He blesses you. I’m making my list below, and I hope we can hold each other accountable. If you want to, leave your list in the comments section below, and we can check up on each other as the month progresses!

Happy #noworrynovember, and happy praying!

Emily’s #noworrynovember List

Finances
Personal Relationships
The Future
Health Problems

*If you’d rather, take to twitter and tag @emuhleeeh with your #noworrynovember lists!