Articles
Worry
“Be anxious for nothing, but everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be known to God” (Phil. 4:6).
Worry eats our lunch! During the day we worry that we are not doing enough. During the night we are sleepless because we worry that everything will fall apart. We replay conversations about the foolish things said or done. We worry… worry… worry. Never at peace. When we do achieve a moment of peace, we worry that we are too peaceful and any moment it will vanish. We can wallow in a cesspool of endless and fruitless thinking.
Paul says, “Be anxious for nothing!” We read that and say, “Yeah, right, Paul. If you had my life, you would not be saying that. You just do not understand what I am going through.” Well…. actually, Paul does. He had plenty to worry about. Beaten. Shipwreck. Betrayed by false brethren. Concern for the churches daily. All those things that were ever-present in his life. But in all that he faced, Paul said he learned to be content. He learned to fix his mind on the goodness and greatness of God. He learned to change his way of thinking. Instead of thinking and focusing on all the negative things, he started thinking about things that are good, lovely, just, noble, and pure. He filled his mind with virtuous things (Phil. 4:8). He also practiced the habit of prayer. Prayer cannot coexist for long in the same mental space with worry; one will crowd the other out.
When we forget to pray, we miss out on an important source of hope, joy, and peace because we miss out on God. We find a peace that surpasses understanding when we pray about everything and thank God for His wisdom. We find peace when we trust that His will is done and that His providential care will provide. Prayer works because God works!
Worry or God? Seems like a no-brainer. So why do we worry? We need to cast our cares on Him and let Him carry our burdens. He is greater than our burdens. Yes, it is easier said than done, but faith allows no other option for us!
Rickie Jenkins
