After tests, scans, exams and much head-scratching, the decision is finally made-
Next…. Exploratory medical procedure. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? EMP because we still don't know what's wrong.
I don’t know a single person who jumps for joy to have to go under anesthesia and allow strangers to explore their innermost parts.
Indeed, not something I am looking forward to with delight. So, what do I do?
Go into action, of course. Research the heck out of the procedure, medical issue, doctor, facility, stats, and possible risks. Why is it death always seems to be one of the dangers?
Checklist now complete with all the action items marked off- except one.
The most important one.
The one we feel entitled to…..
Worry
Worry can bring resolution and results. Right?
Worry can change the future and bring about a better outcome. Right?
Worry can prevent something bad from happening. Right?
I desperately want worry to accomplish all this but, a wise person would ask what the Bible has to say on the matter.
So, let’s ask….
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Jesus himself counsels us:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” ~Matthew 6:25
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” ~Matthew 6:28
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matthew 6:34
O.K. O.K.
Got it- Worry is just wrong. Period. Don’t do it!
Complete waste of time and carries not a single benefit.
The only thing worrying accomplishes are high levels of anxiety and physical illness in our bodies. Our hopes that worry will bring something positive really works in direct opposition and brings us closer to our destruction. Destruction of self, our health, peace-of-mind, and joy!
We need to understand that when we worry we are practicing functional atheism. Our minds might believe in God, but our actions say there is no God. Not one that cares enough to take care of me and my issues.
With shame, I admit that I’ve been a master at the art of worry. Worrying to the point I am filled with anxiety, suffer insomnia and shred my poor fingernails until they don’t exist anymore. Days and nights spent filled with anxious thoughts of what if's and woes--the outward manifestation of functional atheism.
NO MORE!
From this point forward, I am choosing to give my worry over to God.
When the storms of life come, instead of my old automatic response of worry, I'm going to do the following instead:
Take it immediately to God in prayer.
Admit to Him precisely what I am worrying over, confess it aloud and share what is weighing my heart with anxiety and fear.
I am going to tell God that I know He cares about me, that I trust in Him completely and that I am placing my worries into His capable hands. (Visualizing the act of handing over the object of my worry to Him.)
Then I’m going to thank Him in advance that He is handling the matter and that I no longer have to worry about worrying.
Worrying is a choice that delivers unequivocally no benefits.
Join me today – stop it!
Place your worries into the hands of a capable God.
He’s more than got you covered!
Father, thank you that you care so much for us. That nothing is too big or too small for your attention. You are a loving God who provides, who knows us intimately and only wants what is best for our good. You are more than capable, and you are more than trustworthy. Forgive us for the times that we allow worry and anxiety to consume our lives and when we mistakenly think that worry will bring us some benefit. There is no place for worry in the life of the Christ-follower because in Christ all things are made possible.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” ~ Psalm 94:19