Imagine how nice it would be if you weren't worrying

 

I Know I'm Not Supposed To Worry

I really hate to admit this, but I will be honest and write about it here: Sometimes when I wake up in the morning one of the first things to enter my mind is worry. I’ve read this is not uncommon for people. One of the most likely times for worry is just before going to sleep at night or first thing in the morning.

I don’t want to worry and as a follower of Jesus I know I’m not supposed to worry.

(The realization that I’m not supposed to worry will occasionally have me worrying about my tendency to worry. It gets complicated, doesn’t it?)

I know God is for me, not against me. I know God provides for our needs. So I shouldn’t worry. But it can be hard to stop doing something that almost seems to happen unintentionally and involuntarily.

I’m not writing this so you can join me in my worry and say, “Yep, that happens to me occasionally, too!” I’m writing this to tell you there is a simple passage of scripture which helps me. What the passage says is not complicated and it is almost somewhat obvious. But it has helped me, anyhow, and if something helps, my thought is, “Hey, that’s good! I don’t care if it’s obvious or simple. I’m just glad it is helping me.”

The passage is found in the book of Matthew chapter 6. Jesus is speaking and He says this:

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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—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 6:28-34

When I read this passage I remember God has always provided for my needs. Jesus’ words help me trust Him and know He will always continue to provide for my needs.

So I tell myself… “Stop worrying and see all of life as a gift from God. Trust that God knows more about life than you do and He is providing fullness of life for you.”

Prayer: “Lord, help me to continue to trust you. Help any person who reads these words—even if they are not all that keen on ‘spiritual stuff’—to know you are for them, not against them. Help us to trust you. Amen.”

"Stop Worrying!" Sure! But It's Easier Said Than Done

Some of us are wired up in such a way that we worry about… um… let’s see… well, pretty much everything.  By the way, when I write about being “wired up” in such a way, I’m not trying to use that concept as an excuse.  We need to trust in God and not worry.  However, this tendency for worry and anxiety is a part of the natural psychological profile for some of us.

I hate to admit it, it’s embarrassing, but I’m one of those with this tendency to worry.  I know, some of you are saying, “Just stop worrying, Dan.  Stop it.  Don’t do it anymore.”  I agree with your words of challenge.  You’re right.  But I hope you will be gracious and understand that it is easier said than done.

So, I find myself frequently, turning to the book of Philippians chapter 4, verses 6 and 7, and reading these words:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The good thing about my struggles in this area is that they are, yet, one more reminder of my need for God’s help, His mercy, His love, His presence, His grace.

I’m glad that He is so generous with these qualities.  And I am thankful for the peace which transcends all understanding!