Worry

<<be anxious, troubled>>

Worry is a lack of internal peace, being bothered and overly concerned about issues we have little or no control over, and so is futile. It is misplaced trust – doubting God’s willingness and ability to care for us and focusing more on the circumstances and trying to work things out on my own. This implies that I am better able to handle the situation than God is! Our trust should be in the Lord even when we don’t see a solution. We should, instead, concentrate on the areas we do have power over and responsibility for – our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions and reactions with the approach, “When I am afraid I will trust in you” (Ps 37:8,9, 56:3). Jesus said, “Do not worry about...” for God knows our needs and will provide for us as we give Him first place in our lives and live, as He wants us to. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me…Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt 6:25-34; Jn 14:1). Worry is the wrong belief that it all depends on us, instead we are to trust Him (Prov 3:5,6). Rather than focusing our thoughts on God who holds our tomorrow in His hands the typical tendency is to do the opposite and anxiously be concerned about possible future cares – many of which do not eventuate or resolve themselves without any problem (Ps 31:14,15; Jer 29:11). We should not ignore problem situations, nor should they dictate our attitudes and actions. He expects us to positively plan, prepare and act appropriately, confident He is our help in times of trouble (Heb 4:16)

If we worry we create negative stresses and forgo the peace God wants to impart to us, affecting our relationship with Him and others (Lk 12:25). We will gain the true perspective as we focus our attention on the promises of the Bible not the problems. The solution to worry is to pray about our needs and commit ourselves to God allowing His

Look to God, not the problem – perspective is the key

peace to guard our hearts and minds. Refuse to dwell on anything negative then your words and thoughts will be acceptable to God. Working through our challenges involves committing ourselves in prayer into His loving arms, who has our best interest at heart (Ps 19:14, 37:5; Phil 4:6,7). We need to be disciplined in our minds to take control of our unhealthy thoughts (Prov 4:23; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:8). By dealing effectively and efficiently with today’s challenges and problems we have a focus and don’t need to try and tackle tomorrow’s issues today or fret over yesterday’s failures for worry is misdirected attention of our concerns (Lk 10:40-42). The Bible's message to us is, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Pet 5:7).