ARE YOU WORRIED? ANXIOUS?
The way the world is today does cause a lot of worry and anxiety among so many. Every day on the news we hear of more concerns; of issues relating to the economy, as well as issues dealing with life and death. Everyone is concerned about the way the world is, and this causes selfishness – “I want to make sure that everything is ok for me and mine.” This leads to more unrest, concern and frustration, and we worry all about having money to pay the bills, what could happen if we get sick, what if we lose a loved one? . . . . When it is all about me, then we begin to think that everyone is out to get me!
According to one source about 40 million Americans are dealing with anxiety.[1] Anxiety is a way that keeps us safe. It helps us to stay healthy and in tune to our bodies so that we can deal with possible issues that come up. Yet anxiety can turn into worry, and that can come from a lack of faith in God. (Mt. 6:25-34).
Worry is a sin. The Bible is clear that God’s children should never worry about the things of this world. Let us consider some of the passages that remind Christians that our hope and faith should never be in the government, in our family, even in our own lives. Our faith, trust and hope must be in one who is in control of the universe, and who one day will come again and make all things right. Until then we need to keep the faith and continue the mission God has given Christians. Truly, if we think of others (as did God and our Savior), we will be so busy that we may not have time to think of ourselves.
Consider these passages when you worry: (all quotes are from the NKJV)
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” This context was Moses’ last words to Israel before he died. The Lord would be with them.
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”. . . Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. NKJV
2 Timothy 1:7 “for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” ESV
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord and he shall sustain you; he shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Beloved, God is still in control. He has not abdicated his throne, and he is still in charge of the world. Everything that will be done will be done according to his will. His promises that he has made will come to pass (see how the Old Testament writers prophesied of Christ to come), and complete his work in saving the world. His promises of coming in Judgment will also come to pass.
He wants His people to trust Him. He does not want his children to be anxious about their relationship with Him. He wants us to believe that he is in charge, and that he will do all things for our good (Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”). He wants to forgive, and we need to have enough faith to believe that he has forgiven. Such mercy and grace should motivate us to greater love and greater service. Such love should create further commitment to His cause.
Don’t worry – God has this! May ewe all trust Him more than ourselves, and know that things are working in his way for our ultimate salvation.
Tommy
[1] https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
