Worrying can often feel like a natural response to life’s challenges, but in reality, it is an unproductive use of our energy since it cannot change outcomes. We can easily become immersed in anxious thoughts for days, yet this often leads to nothing positive. Despite this, worry is a common issue and is sometimes viewed as acceptable in Christian circles.
I know this struggle all too well. My mother was one of the most anxious people I knew. She would often sit on the couch, wringing her hands, creating new worries for herself each day. This tendency never changed; such is the nature of worry. It results in a lifetime spent feeling anxious and trapped by one’s thoughts.
In 1 Peter 5:7, the Apostle Peter reminds us, “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” As we face various challenges, we should hand over our concerns and fears to the Lord and refuse to let unproductive thoughts control us. While this sounds simple, it can be quite challenging for many.
This brings us to a core issue. In Matthew 6:28-30, it states: “And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If God provides for the grass of the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?”
Here, Christ provides a powerful argument: if God cares for the lilies, which have such a short lifespan, then He will certainly care for His children, for whom Christ sacrificed Himself. The issue of worry isn’t necessarily a complete lack of faith; rather, it often stems from insufficient faith.
The key to overcoming worry is developing a deep trust in God’s care as our Father. This is one of life’s essential lessons. God allows challenges to strengthen our faith. Each time we rely on Him during difficult moments, we grow spiritually by trusting in His promises.
When we rush ahead and begin to focus on tomorrow’s concerns, fear and worry can overwhelm us. Ephesians 6 clearly explains that the spiritual life is a battle. Living a life of faith involves confronting challenges. Satan, known as the father of lies, uses deception as his main strategy against us. So, how do we combat these lies? By standing firm in the truth of the Word of God. Ephesians 6 assures us that we can find resilience through the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
When Christians worry, they often engage in unbiblical, faithless thinking. It’s vital to replace those thoughts with ones that reflect biblical hope. Our thought life significantly influences our behavior. It’s challenging to maintain a particular emotion without underlying thoughts, even if we aren’t always aware of them. Once we bring our thoughts under the guidance of God’s truth and His Word, our feelings will begin to align with that truth.
In conclusion, while the temptation to worry is real, we have the tools to combat it. By trusting in God’s provision, focusing on His faithfulness, and anchoring our thoughts in Scripture, we can overcome worry and embrace a life of faith and peace. Let us cast our anxieties on Him and find rest in His care.
Debbie Swindell 