When life gets to be overwhelming, and it will, it is almost impossible not to worry. And just like the bible, there are any number of verses that speak particularly to that circumstance that is keeping you up at night. Well I’m at that point now and couldn’t think of anything better than something I wrote some time ago. One of the hardest things for me to accept is the fact that worry is not supposed to have any place in God’s kingdom of believers. People have tried to tell me that not only is worry unchristian, but on some levels, it’s actually a sin. Even though I know better at times, I still cannot help but worry about things which I literally have no control over. Whether it’s family, friends, health or finances, my tendency is to worry, as if worrying alone will somehow change the circumstances or perhaps improve the situation. Because this is a learning process, I’m doing my best to be a good student. Scripture tells all of us: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”Matthew 6:27. For me, this can be tough.
As a wannabe good student, I have to first internalize that the answer to worry has already been shown to me. I need to focus on this because life constantly gives you pop quizzes to test your belief in this truth. Rather than worry, we should rely on the truth of Jesus Christ. That simple truth is these issues; my issues; your issues have already been dealt with via Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. As such, I should be free not to fret. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given you as well.” Matthew 6:33. Now the next line, I believe says it all. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Again, as a student, I can relate to the problem and intellectually understand the answer. But while this is understood on that level, life’s pop quizzes still cause me undue and unnecessary anxiety. Our text teaches us to accept through faith that worry is useless. Our teacher lets us know He is the answer and I understand that. I sometimes forget to take Him with me at test time. But through study I can recall the right answers when life wants to throw those inevitable quizzes. “Do not be anxious about anything. But by everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6. If I can just remember to do this and then let go, I’ll know that I know that I know. It will become habit forming and that’s a habit we should all try and develop.
You see, I know I’m a hands-on kind of student. Don’t tell me; show me. By virtue of this biblical demonstration, reinforced by repetition, I think I’m getting it. Quit trying to figure my way out of things on my own. That is life’s recipe for failure. Let God factor into all of my decision making and follow what is then revealed. I call this ‘sanctified decision making.’ Sounds like a bit much but it works for me. In short, what I’m saying is stop, think and pray. Hand it over and let it go. May God bless and keep you always.
James
jaws@dallasweekly.com