What to Do with Worry (copy) (copy)
Someone has said that worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it will not get you anywhere. That is a good picture of worry. Worry keeps us busy on the inside, but it does not move us forward. It wears out the mind, burdens the heart, steals peace from the day, and often keeps us awake at night. The question is not whether we will ever face worry. The question is: what does God want us to do with worry when it comes?
God Knows That We Are Prone to Worry
The Bible tells us in many places, “Fear not.” Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” God repeats this truth because He knows our frame. He knows how easily fear rises in the human heart. He knows how quickly yesterday’s trouble, today’s burden, and tomorrow’s uncertainty can gather in the mind.
God Does Not Shame Us for Worry
God’s answer to worry is not simply, “Try harder not to worry.” He knows that we cannot always will ourselves into a calm state of mind. If we could somehow talk ourselves out of every fear, then we would not need His Word to teach us what to do with our anxious thoughts. The Lord does not command us not to worry so that we will feel guilty when worry comes. He gives that command because He is inviting us to bring the burden to Him.
God Calls Us to Transfer the Burden to Him
The Lord wants us to transfer the burden from our hands to His. We do that by believing in Him, by remembering that this world is not our final home, and by telling Him all our concerns. Prayer is not a last resort; it is the place where the child of God lays down what the heart cannot carry. Supplication means we come honestly with our needs. Thanksgiving means we remember that God has been faithful before. Faith means we trust that He will be faithful again.
God Gives Peace as We Trust Him
When I am anxious about something, I am called to bring it to the Lord, trust His wisdom, and rest in His care. That does not mean I will always understand what He is doing. It does not mean every problem will disappear immediately. But it does mean I can trust Him to work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The peace of God is not found in having every answer. It is found in knowing the One who holds every answer.
Invitation
If you are not a Christian, the greatest need of your heart is not simply relief from worry; it is reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. You can come to Christ today. The ABCs are simple: Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again.
Confess your sins to God, ask Him to forgive you, and commit your life to following Him. The same Savior who invites His people to cast their cares upon Him also invites the lost to come to Him for salvation.
