2000-01-30 - Passages about Worry

If you are like me, you are a worrier. Recently where I live, we have been worried about the effects of ice storms--power going off, limbs falling (Last week one fell one foot from my bedroom window.), driving on slick roads (There was a 50-car pileup today in Atlanta.) etc. Some of us worry about medical test results, academic test results, straying children (What parent wouldn't worry about that?), relationships and more. As I said in a previous devotional, I believe sometimes we are convinced that are actually remiss if we do not worry. Sometimes there is a fine line between being responsible, and worrying. Today we will view some passages about worry.

Jesus taught us not to worry:

(Mat 10:19 NRSV) When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time.

Mat 10:29-31 (NIV) Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

There is no reason to worry, since our all-powerful God, Who is Love, is in control:

Isa 46:10 (NIV) I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Worry is physically and emotionally detrimental to us.

(Prov 12:25 NLT) Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

In addition, worrying is not sensible, from a "practical" standpoint:

Mat 6:27 (NIV) Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Even if something "bad' does happen, we know that God will bring good out of it.

Rom 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

(1 Pet 3:14 NLT) But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry.

What should we do instead of worrying?

(Phil 4:6-7 NRSV) Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jan

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