Worry cripples inner security
We all worry!
It’s a natural part of living. But, for millions of people worldwide, worry cripples their inner sense of security and wellbeing: it downsizes their happiness, while supersizing their stress. They worry about their jobs, families, relationships and practically everything else.
Here’s the good news. Jesus said: “Don’t worry...” as if it is possible for us to be worryfree. The original word here for ‘worry’ refers to ‘chronic or anxious worry’ for one’s survival. This worry is the opposite of faith in the gracious daily provisions of our heavenly Father.
My guess is that some readers of this devotional today may be experiencing anxious worry. You worry about many things over which you may have little or no control. And you know in your heart that you need to pause and learn a lesson from the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. The birds neither sow nor reap, but “our heavenly Father feeds them.” Whatever burdens you bear today, don’t weigh yourself down with added worry.
How then are we to cope with personal anxieties in a world full of uncertainty? It is well to note that worry is not based so much on the outer circumstances, as it is on the inner condition of the soul and how we process things within. For some, a bad hair day may cause deep personal anguish. For others, a diagnosis of cancer can be dealt with confidently through faith in the God of eternal love. The question is: how can we respond to troubling situations creatively?
One way is to choose not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything. Jesus said: “So, don’t be anxious about tomorrow…. Live one day at a time.” Only God knows the future! Mark Twain once wrote: “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” We need to focus on the present with a deep sense of gratitude for all God’s blessings, great and small!
Another way to deal with worry is to do what is right and good, seeking always to be at peace with God and neighbour! Jesus said: “Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:13 TLB) Living righteously frees us from personal inner guilt or shame and gives us peace of mind.
And finally, trust in God’s unconditional love fully! Listen to Jesus words: “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?” Worry stems from our little faith! William Barclay once wrote: “Worry is essentially distrust of God.”
Even our most trusted friends will let us down, but Jesus never fails! His promises are always true. His death on the cross for our sins and glorious resurrection from the dead for our justification assures us that He alone is the Son of God and worthy of our fullest trust and praise.
Hear Jesus’ grand invitation extended to all today who worry: “Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls….” (Matthew 11:28 TLB)