“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 AMP
Worry. When we think of it, we tend to think of being nervous or concerned about a situation or someone. Many times we worry about what might be –what could happen–maybe even what we think should have happened. Yet worry is like paying interest for something we haven’t even purchased or choking something before it ever has a chance to breathe.
We begin to worry when we think ahead to the possible future and all the potential scenarios; we then begin to fear we cannot handle what may or may not come.
And in a way we’re right. We cannot handle the future yet, because it is not here yet. Our future is out of our reach because it’s out of our hands. So there’s no point in worrying about it. After all, “Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:25). No one. None of us can add a day to our lives by worrying. If anything, worry takes away the hours of our lives–whether through the physical side effects of stress or through the moments wasted worrying.
Worrying does nothing for our future, can never change the past, and sabotages our ability to enjoy the present. I once feared moving. I even let it negatively impact my outlook on my present circumstances. I missed out on some great moments because of my fear of the future. Yet once it came time to move, God gave me the grace for it. I needn’t have wasted a moment of my time worrying, because God met me where I needed Him to meet me exactly when I needed him to do so. If we spend time worrying about what may be, we miss the chance to discover God’s amazing grace within the now.
The following words can be found within the Merriam Webster online dictionary definition of worry: harrass, repeatedly, torment, persistent, afflict, choke, strangle. These words perfectly define worry, don’t they? Worry harrasses and afflicts our faith when we repeatedly and persistently wonder about those what ifs or what could have beens. Worry truly chokes and strangles the joy of the Lord right out of a believer.
God is a gracious God. He wants to fellowship with us in the good times and in the bad. He doesn’t promise a life free from trouble, but He does promise to never leave us nor forsake us. So whether you’re enjoying the good times or traveling through the valley, do not squander a single moment worrying about what might be or what once was. Don’t worry about getting sick, getting hurt, or if you’re sick, getting better. Live in the now. Yes, be wise in how you treat your body, but don’t be anxious about what might go wrong. Trust that God will give you the grace to handle whatever may come your way. And don’t fret about your job. Serve God through it. If something leads to a job change or job loss, trust God will give you the grace to walk that path. And certainly don’t worry about finances. Be wise with what God has given you, yet also know He who clothes the flowers of the fields and takes care of the little birds will also take care of you.
Whatever it is that may attempt to thwart your faith and cause you to worry, reject it. Cast down those foolish thoughts, arguments, and imaginations which try to take your eyes off the great I AM. Don’t set your sights on the fickle future. Don’t glance with apprehension at the past. Walk through the now with your eyes fixed on Jesus. Rest in His ability to hold the whole world in His hands. He knew you before you were born, He is with you now, and He’ll love you forever. So trust Him today. Trust He will direct your paths. Trust He will lead you in the way everlasting. And know He will “be with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
To Have a Heart Like His 