Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
Worry doesn’t take care of tomorrow’s problems; it takes away today’s peace!
Anon.
In today’s reading, we’re told: “Do not worry about anything,” (verse 6). That is easier said than done!
Doesn’t it irritate you when someone says to you: “Don’t worry about it!”? It is especially aggravating when this well-meaning person says, “The Bible says we shouldn’t worry.”
We don’t have a worry switch we can turn on and off, do we? It’s not like we forgot to turn off the lights, close the windows or drink enough water.
Worry comes naturally. It is part of our instincts that keeps us alive. We check and double-check in order to ensure our safety.
So I think it’s smart to worry or fret about some things — just long enough to determine if our worrying is justified. If it is, then we can fix the issue. If it isn’t, then we can move on.
Bad worrying is worrying about matters that are completely out of our hands!
When we worry about such things, we’re wasting time and energy.
But even worse, we are really causing sorrow in the heart of God, because our worry over things that cannot be controlled shows that we really don’t trust God to take care of us.
According to experts, the top 10 things people worry about are work, money, being late, a friend or relative’s health, our own health, relationships, missing a plane or bus and not waking up to our alarm.
Do you worry about any of those things? If so, which ones are beyond your control? If you worry about those things, that’s bad worry.
Fortunately, the Bible gives us some help. The verse goes on: “Do not worry about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (verses 6-7, emphasis added).
—Timothy Merrill
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I worry sometimes. Help me to place my fears in your hands, and let you take responsibility for all things. In your name. Amen.
