Years ago, a catchy little tune filled the airwaves, an island beat punctuated the lyrics, “Don’t worry; be happy.” While these words are easy to sing, they are more difficult to practice. World events, natural disasters, political uncertainties, financial difficulties, and fear often crowd our thoughts and feed anxiety.
Does Worry Accomplish Anything?
Many of us waste lots of time worrying about what might happen, but never does. Or we have the mistaken idea that worry somehow prevents what we fear from happening. Here's what the Bible says:
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34)
“Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:” (Luke 21:14)
Fear and Worry – Unhappy Twins
Fear is often the wind that fans the flames or worry. Like hand-holding twins, fear drags worry into our thoughts and actions, encouraging us to do some things and preventing us from doing others. Scripture provides insights into banishing fears and calming worry.
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalms 56:3)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Trusting God Instead of Worrying
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22)
Don't Worry, God Provides
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”(Isaiah 26:3)
Candy Arrington
