I asked Christina Trifanoff, one of our leaders, to be a guest blogger today. I think you’ll really enjoy what she has to say!
Blessings,
Thora
Worry
Remember that song from the 80’s, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”? That catchy song may have over-simplified the process of reducing worry, but its point was clear: We should not worry.
The word worry comes from the Old English word “wyrgan,” meaning to strangle or choke. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with worry that you felt like you were being strangled or choked? I have. Worrisome thoughts distract us from the life God intended for us to live. They rob us of our peace and joy.
What Jesus Says About Worry
In Luke 12:22-26, Jesus was talking to His disciples and He said: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. … Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Jesus was adamant we shouldn’t worry, and for good reasons.
4 Reasons Why We Should Not Worry
Worry isn’t productive. When we spend time in worry, we are less than productive as it robs us of productive time.
Worry negatively impacts our health. Worrying negatively impacts our health by weakening our immune systems.
Worry denies our faith in God to help us. Worry also denies that God is in control and is willing and able to provide. Philippians 4:6-7 promises, “Do not be anxious 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.” As we meditate on that promise and hold it deep in our hearts and minds, worry fades.
Worry distracts us from living a faith-filled, powerful life. Finally, worry distracts us from fulfilling the mission God has placed on our lives. Many times I have been in crisis mode, only to find that as I surrender my fears and anxious thoughts to God, and open myself up to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, I find peace. I also find that God wants to use me to minister to others. However, if I’m so preoccupied with worry, I may miss those “windows of opportunities.” In other words, the enemy is using circumstances to stop me from moving forward, and seeing God purpose for me in His kingdom.
Practical Application
So how do we manage worry? Jesus tells us how in Matthew 6:25-34. The answer to worry is to concern ourselves with God’s kingdom. Jesus tells us in verse 33, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
As we meditate on the promises of God’s Word, and speak His truths over our lives, our trust in Him to provide, is solidified. That is my prayer for each of us. Then we will experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
