What, me worry?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.— Philippians 4:6

Whenever a preacher begins to talk about worry, I sense a pair of eyes staring at me. Without even turning my head, I know that my husband is looking at me to see if I’m paying attention.

I hate to admit it, but I’m a worrier. And precisely because there are a lot of people just like me, Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 6:25-34 when He said: “Do not worry.” Don’t worry about the basic needs of life — food, clothing, shelter — and don’t worry about tomorrow.

Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it’s a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or perhaps it’s a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Or it may be a refusal to depend on God instead of ourselves.

Some people expand the worry circle to their families, friends, and churches. They’re a lot like the 10 spies in Numbers 13:26-33 who spread their fear and doubt to everyone else. But those who put their trust in God alone can stand alongside Joshua and Caleb, the only ones in the group of 12 who God allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Don’t let worries hold you back from what God may be trying to teach you. He invites you to bring your anxious thoughts directly to Him (Phil. 4:6). — Cindy Hess Kasper

When you feel the tension mounting,

And across the busy day

Only gloomy clouds are drifting,

As you start to worry — pray! — Anon.

READ: Numbers 13:26-33

To be anxious about nothing, pray about everything.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Chronicles 19-21

• Proverbs 1:20-33