Are you a worry-wart? I’ll freely admit that I am. Sometimes I get worried when I don’t have something to worry about.
All kidding aside, worry is one of those sins that we quickly dismiss. But the Bible tells us not to worry. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) tells us plainly, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
The next verse tells you what happens when you put your worries on the shelf; “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Isn’t that an encouraging thought? When you give your worries to God and thank Him for all that He’s done, you’ll experience His peace. Isn’t that what we long for? Peace instead of worry. Tranquility instead of panic. Stillness instead of calamity.
Jesus takes the subject of worry a step further in Luke 12:25-26 (NLT). Talking to His disciples, Jesus asks, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”
We all worry. We worry if we have enough money for next month’s rent. We worry about whether or not our kids are safe at school. We worry if we’ll ever find a mate. We worry about our own health. And on and on it goes.
Jesus told His followers not to worry about everyday life – whether they enough food to eat or clothes to wear. Instead, Christ offered this bit of advice in Luke 12:29-31 (NLT).
“Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”
Truth & Discernment 