Day 251: WORRY...What is it Good For?

Matthew 6:34(NIV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Philippians 4:6(NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I think Jesus and others throughout the bible have a few things to say about “worrying”. In the verse above out of Philippians we are taught that we should bring all of our needs and concerns to God in prayer rather than worry about them. Jesus even challenges us to avoid worrying about our physical needs like clothing, food, etc.. Jesus assures us that God will take care of all of our needs. In my opinion I think many (even the most seasoned) Christians really drop the ball in this area. Worrying, thinking, and stressing. How in the world are we to focus on anything else LIKE MINISTERING TO OTHER PEOPLE if we are constantly playing our lives over and over in our own heads? It is no wonder people die younger these days if we, as Christians, who know God’s goodness never fails us…keep on worrying all the time. Worrying and stressing out has a way of breaking a person down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What stresses me out are people who are always stressing out. I can honestly say I don’t worry about a whole lot but when I am around people who are CONSTANTLY worrying about things…ugh…it wears me out.

If worrying should not be a part of a believer's life, how does one overcome it? In 1 Peter 5:7(NIV), we are guided to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” God does not want us to carry around the weight of problems and burdens. In this verse, God is telling us to give Him all of our worries and concerns. ALL OF THEM. Why does God want to take on our problems? The Bible says it is because He cares for us. God is concerned about everything that happens to us. No worry is too big or too small for His attention. When we give God our problems, he promises a peace. I think the problem comes when we say we trust God but in fact we still have our little list/plan of attack on how we can bring soothing NOW.

Some of the most seasoned Christians make it a habit to worry about everything. Exercise some greater faith in God and truly give him your concerns. If I am constantly worrying about my family, church, finances, personal life and don’t focus on the issue at hand….MINISTRY/SERVING; I will turn into an irritable person and nothing is accomplished by doing that. We say “We serve a big God” but do you really believe it?