Don’t Worry
Worry and anxiety plague the lives of many people. Yet, most people worry about things that never happen or things that they can do nothing about. The following is a list of what people actually worry about:
- 40% worry about things that will never happen
- 30% worry about things in the past that can’t be changed
- 12% worry about criticism by others, mostly untrue
- 10% worry about health, which gets worse with stress
- only 8% worry about real problems that will be faced
One definition of worry is “”interest paid on trouble before it becomes due”. Worry is a thief that costs people their joy, peace and health. If you are burdened with anxiety and worry I want you to know there is breakthrough for you to overcome worry.
Jesus tells us, “… don’t worry about everyday life … Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? … Look at the lilies and how they grow. … So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:25-34 Notice Jesus is telling us not to worry. He not only tells us not to worry but He goes on to explain we really have nothing to worry about.
The Word of God is filled with promises to help us not worry. “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15) . “He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon the Lord” (Isaiah 26:3) Yes, you can be at peace and happy you do not have to worry. Here are 3 additional keys to help you overcome worry;
1) Put Your Trust In the Lord – When we are trusting in God, we can take life as it comes. Jesus does not deny that we will have trouble. He just tells us each day, God will give us the strength we need for the challenges of that day. Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;…”. Where is you trust? “Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Psalm 125:1). Others will fail and disappoint you. If your trust is in yourself or your job, or the government or your education they will come up short sooner of later but God is faithful. Put your trust in the Lord and you worry will flee.
2) Maintain an Attitude of Thanksgiving – Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything, 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. Philippians 4:6-7 Instead of worrying start giving God thanks. You cannot be giving thanks and worrying at the same time. It is a decision. Either start worrying or begin giving thanks. When you have an attitude of thanksgiving worry has to flee.
3) Cast Your Cares on the Lord – 1Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The New Living Translation puts it this way, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” You not only don’t have to worry, but he is telling you that if you have something to worry about to give it to Him! When the cares of the world try to bring worry your way don’t take them instead cast them on the Lord.
You can overcome worry and be worry free. Jesus said, “Don’t worry”. Make up your mind today to put your trust in the Lord, always be thankful and cast those care on the Lord. He truly cares for you.
Don’t worry be happy!