Worry? Me Worry?

Submitted by RVH on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 11:51
Worry

This may come as a surprise, but humans are prone to worrying and yes some are more prone to worrying than others.

Let me clearly state that we are not making light of this problem as it afflicts millions of folks.

Many have heard the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and wished it was that simple.

Humans worry about their jobs; about their finances; about their children; about their parents; about their health and a multitude of other things.

There is a joke about chronic worriers saying if they don’t have something to worry about, they will make something up. We could go a bit further and say if they don’t have something to worry about, they might even worry about that.

Seriously, we know that Satan is crafty and nothing gives him more pleasure than attacking a weakness of one of God’s children.  Satan loves to diminish one’s joy, contentment and peace. Satan knows that if he can do this, he is interfering with this person’s worship, thanks and praise.

I have known several Christians who were devout, yet they had one weakness that Satan was able to capitalize on. They were worriers.

What does God’s Word tell us about this subject?

In Philippians, Paul instructs us as follows;

Philippians 4:6-7   English Standard Version

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul doesn’t just say “don’t worry, be happy.”  He instructs us to overcome our worries through prayer, saying “in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

If and this is a “big if”, we truly turn our problems and worries over to God, “the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.”

God will do what He says he will do. He will help us overcome our worries if we totally surrender them to Him.

Paul also give us more advice on how to handle our fears and worries;

Philippians 4:8-9   English Standard Version

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

After prayer, Paul says the next part is up to us. We are to think about good things. We are to think good thoughts and if we do this, the peace of God will be with us.

Excessive worrying does not have to be a part of our lives. Yes, Satan wants it to be, but it doesn’t have to be.

If we surrender our fears and worries to God, through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, He will help us. Then, if we do our part and control our thoughts, only thinking about those things that are good and profitable, we can eliminate Satan's ability to bring worry and fear into our minds. 

Fret and Worry

 

It can be done. Many have testified to the removal or lessening of fear and worry in their lives.

The apostle Peter instructs us further;

1 Peter 5:6-7   English Standard Version

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

We must totally surrender of our fears and worries, turning them over to God. Peter describes this as “casting all of our anxieties on Him.”

Why? Because God cares so much for us and wants us to live in the peace and contentment that He wants to provide.

Surrender all of your fears and anxieties to God and let Him shroud you with His spirit of contentment and peace.

 

Worry

RVH