What, Me Worry??

How many of you worry? Probably almost all of us. We worry about finances, health, our children, and terrorists. We even worry the rain is going to dirty our recently washed car or that the Waffle House might run out of waffles. OK, I’m probably alone on that one.

But you get the idea…we are a world full of worrywarts.

The Bible speaks often of worry. Philippians 4:6-7 says:

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-27:

 25"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? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Why do we worry? It’s one of Satan’s best weapons. Doubt is cast in our thoughts and worry quickly follows. Worry long enough and you start to question everything, including your faith. Worry will also lower your self esteem.

So what to do? The answer is to rely more on the Lord. It’s that simple. When doubt, uncertainty, and the fear of failure race to the forefront of your life, lay it down before the Lord. Give it all to Him. He can handle it just as He did over 2,000 years ago. Impossible situations look very possible with Him close.

Psalm 9:9 says,

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
       a stronghold in times of trouble.

Instead of worry, praise Him for what you have. Even in the darkest of times when the waves are crashing over your bow, praise Him and he will calm the storm.

For me, reading the Psalms always replaces my fear with a calm peace of tranquility.

So today, put your worries aside on a tray and give them to Him. Let your faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit manifest within your soul. Then, even if Waffle House were to run out of waffles (or heaven forbid hash browns), you’ll have the strength to drive to Cracker Barrel.

Jim Jernigan