Ways To Give

Why Worry?

Written by Sharon L. Nagy

The definition of “worry” is to feel uneasy or concerned over something; to be troubled; to feel anxious. In today’s struggling economic times, Americans are developing illnesses and symptoms associated with acute worry, better known as “stress.” From stomach ulcers to heart attacks, our nation is fighting one disease or another, largely caused by its earthly inability to successfully conquer stress and anxiety.

What are we worried about?

Since the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, people have attempted to conquer their worries through secular measures, only to be disappointed with the end result. Today’s stifled job market, although slowly on the upswing, has been the problem for many unemployed Americans; as they frantically search through the classifieds each week, in hopes of finding a viable solution to their financial woes. Other contributors of anxiety could be failing marriages, job difficulties, and an overall dread of not understanding one’s true purpose. As Christians, we must continuously meditate on the fact that God unconditionally loves us, and that He will provide all the necessary answers to our worldly problems and adversities.

Purposeful living

In Matthew 6:25 Jesus clearly stated to his followers that there is no need to be “anxious or worried” for anything: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” For various reasons, we often obsess about our material, future needs, without stopping first to recall the precious, sage words that our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ provided for us. If we realize that God has a divine purpose for our existence, then such secular concerns will not weigh us down, distracting us from God’s love and understanding.

Ultimately, worry does nothing more than move us away from Almighty God, and closer to this world’s empty promises. We must fully trust in God’s Holy Plan for our futures, and stop trying to control and manipulate our circumstances to fit our goals and desires. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t strive to accomplish personal and professional objectives; instead, it signifies that we should work towards completing our tasks with the full understanding that God’s goodness, love and power, will carry us beyond the obstacles that we may face during our journeys. We don’t have to “go it alone.”

Choosing not to worry

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

Fretting over life’s unpredictable situations will distance us from Christ and lead us further away from His peace. Our feeble attempts at defeating worry through mere secular measures will potentially cause us to “tune out” to God’s infinite advice – the one true remedy to any worldly dilemma. Through consecrated prayer and worship, we learn to relax and let God handle the “tough stuff.” As Jesus poignantly stated in Matthew 6:27, worry will never “add” to our lives; rather, it will slowly subtract God’s intended joy and peace from our lives, but only with our permission.

Fully yielded to God

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin” (Matthew 6:28).

We are to be similar to “lilies of the field,” unyielding to life’s turbulent storms, leaving our worries to God. In retrospect, I’ve miserably failed at my arrogant efforts to predict and change the future, and wished I had “let go, and let God.” Thankfully, I’ve learned that my life is worth considerably more than mere material accomplishments. What proves to be ultimately rewarding, is when we align our lives in accordance with God’s purpose, and relinquish the control to Him. We were created to serve God and act as missionaries for His Kingdom, disseminating the gospel of Christ for all to hear. Worries, depression and underlying anxieties frequently dissipate when we first ask God, “what can I do for You today, Lord?” His answers will astound you, and provide you with a sense of unwavering peace that will repeatedly strengthen you, despite your challenging moments.

Thy will be done

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”" (Matthew 26:39)

First and foremost, we are to discover the purpose for our lives through God’s glorious mission statement. He is the Master Architect of creation, the Chief Engineer of our futures, and the CEO of our destinies. We don’t need proof (nor are we worthy of it), but God’s sacrifice of His only begotten Son reminds us of His never-ending love for us. Our worries seem trite when we contemplate the unfathomable pain and suffering Jesus endured for us, in order to absolve mankind of its sins. I can only marvel at what Jesus’ anxiety must have been like in the hours prior to His crucifixion.

All of modern man’s worries pale in comparison to Jesus’ plight as the Sacrificial Lamb of salvation. Lack of job security and depleted retirement funds seem insignificant when we focus upon Christ’s legacy – from His life to the cross. He was persecuted for His teachings; yet He did not worry. He dealt with overwhelming skepticism; yet He did not worry. His friends betrayed him; yet He did not worry. His enemies scourged Him; yet He did not worry. And as He hung from the cross, He did not worry.

What an example of faith Jesus served for us! His allegiance to God, in the midst of extreme physical and mental angst just hours prior to his crucifixion, was consistently present as He searched for the answers to His troubling questions through the Lord’s Conscience – not His own. We clearly see in Matthew 26:39, Jesus’ devotion to God through profound prayer. He continuously looked to serve God, even in anxious anticipation of His death. We must daily strive to be more like Jesus – less worrisome, reliant on God our Almighty Father, for every need, decision, and problem that we face in our lives. Why worry?

How are you dealing with worry and anxiety in your life today? The Bible teaches us that Jesus provides rest for the weary. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Why not pray this simple prayer of faith right now and relinquish control of your life back to an able God?

Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by directing my own life. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

One Response to “Why Worry?”

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• Up All Night – Devotional « Soapstone WOW Blog says:

  August 29, 2011 at 7:51 am

  [...] Join us every week day for Daily Devotional Chat in women’s chatroom at 10:30am EasternWhy worry? [...]

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