Go On Worry, Prove It Doesn’t Work – Part Three

Jesus told us how to get out of a worry rut. How to win over worry. He offers three antidotes.

Work is number one. 

This is great therapy. Jesus appealed to His listeners to “Look at the birds of the air….” (Vs. 26) If He watches out for the sparrow, doesn’t it make sense that He will watch out for you? Observe that little sparrow over which He is watching. He allows the sparrow to scratch. We, too, must develop a good work ethic. Cultivate good work habits. Get up early and get going with enthusiasm. Be refreshed by experiencing a new day Dawning. Let your mind be bathed in the joy of a new day’s birth.

God spends more on bird food each year than our national debt. If He is going to provide for the world’s bird population, which is estimated to be over 100 billion, He is going to take care of you. 

“Consider the lilies…” (Vs. 28) Christ takes care of them. They are in harmony with their environment. Put aside the idea you are Atlas, and therefore responsible for carrying the world on your back. 

Resign as Vice President in charge of the world’s affairs. Commit yourself and your work to Christ. Master the plan of developing the proper attitude. Who talked you into not liking your work? You did.

Plan your work and work your plan. That is far better and much more productive than worrying.

Worship is number two.   “Seek first the kingdom of God…”

Don’t even consider the kingdom of God if you don’t intend to seek it first. Where there is a kingdom there is a king. Don’t dare contemplate the kingdom unless you intend to make Christ’s rule the priority in your life.

“O worship the King all glorious above, and gratefully sing of His wonderful love.”

Food and clothes are important, but pale in importance when compared to the vitality of Christ as Master in your life. When He is, you are so secure you can live without labels. You can be confident and survive without brand names. Your composure and serenity comes from what is within, not what from what is on you.

Wait is the third.   “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…”

Worry is projected negative thoughts into the future. It is pulling yesterday’s clouds over tomorrow’s sun. What then are we to do?

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7)

What’s Your Game Plan? 6/6/99

Philippians 3:12-14

Jesus Christ constantly looked for the teachable moment. That is, He seized the moment and used it to dramatize a spiritual truth. He used the language of the people and incorporated events with which they were familiar to imprint His point on their reasoning.

Throughout Scripture this same principle is used. Many of the metaphors were agricultural. Today our urban society doesn’t often use those terms. Contemporary speakers employ the language of today to communicate ancient truths.

This is done in Philippians 3 where there is a personal spiritual biography given. Three figures of speech are used.
PAST is represented by “the accountant” (vss. 1-11),
PRESENT is illustrated by “the athlete” (vss. 12-16),
FUTURE is depicted by “the alien” (vss. 17-21).

In Philippians, Paul uses four vivid illustrations:
MILITARY “whole armor”
ARCHITECTURE “temple of God”
AGRICULTURE “sow…reap” now, the
ATHLETE.

Most conscientious Christians will admit:
(1) Past failure, that is, they have not reached the goal God has set for them,
(2) Dissatisfaction to remain at their present spiritual level. Those who feel they have arrived – cease growing.

I. AN HONEST ADMISSION VERSES 12, 13
Paul had achieved much, traveled extensively, had significant accomplishments BUT was on no ego trip. He had not attained. This was an explosive disclaimer. There is always room for growth and improvement.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12).

There are many examples of the better team losing to a team not as good as a result of overconfidence. Our Lord wants us to be confident but not overconfident.

To strut is sweet but it can lead to defeat.

When an athlete becomes overconfident and starts slacking off in practice, neglecting personal discipline, losing mental sharpness, or not giving attention to little details he or she is setting up self for a let down.

When a Christian becomes overconfident because of a significant spiritual accomplishment and neglects regimented Bible reading, consistent prayer time, and becomes egocentric spiritual defeat is imminent.

That is true athletically and spiritually. Live up to your potential by living as unto the Lord.

This balanced spiritual equilibrium is noted:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

The “I” indicates personal responsibility for doing ones best. The “through Christ” means Christ is the power that motivates and enables the achievement.

Paul was satisfied with Christ (vs. 10), but not himself. He did not compare himself with others BUT with Christ.

II. A HEARTY ATTEMPT VERSE 12
Though imperfect, Paul was enthusiastically in pursuit.

“I PRESS ON” (NKJ), “FOLLOW AFTER” (AKJ) = TO PURSUE, a term used for sports competition.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (I Corinthians 9:26).

The finish line is perfection. This is not a sprint, a quick burst of brisk energy. It is a marathon. “Run with patience” (Hebrews 12:1).

May I remind you that the author of a book entitled “Finishing Strong” offers this studied conclusion. Of those who start out strong in the Christian experience only one out of ten finishes strong at the age of retirement. Commit yourself to being that one.

“That I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended.” There was purpose in this pursuit. He wanted to live out his purpose. APPREHEND = “to seize and take possession of.”

We use the word “apprehended” to speak of law enforcement officials catching a person. Christ literally arrests us in salvation.

In another state in another day law enforcement officials put out an all points bulletin showing the three dimensions of a wanted person. It showed a left and right profile and a straight ahead likeness.

Soon they got a reply from a Barney Fife type law enforcement official in another state reading: “We caught the one on the left and the one on the right and have a good lead on the one in the middle.”

Christ knows your I.D. and in love He wants to apprehend you for your good.

The verb tense speaks of a specific time in which this happened. The moment of transformation in the life of Paul occurred on the road to Damascus when he encountered Christ. He left Jerusalem as emissary of the high priest. He entered Damascus a servant of the Lord Jesus.

Christ wants to “lay hold on” you not just to forgive you, but to give you a new character, a new nature.

God used certain things to apprehend Paul. Paul was appointed by the Sanhedrin to investigate the resurrection. He concluded, “If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain.” He heard those he sought to intimidate say, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” He watched as Stephen was stoned in triumph. The final factor was when Ananias, one of those he was hunting, put his hand on his shoulder and called him “Brother.”

Paul wanted to “lay hold on” that for which he was “laid hold of.” What was it? He had just noted it in verse 10.

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Philippians 3:10).

III. A HOLY ASPIRATION VERSES 13, 14
ONE THING possessed Paul. He avoided all diversion. During the exciting Olympic competition athlete after athlete has been heard to say, “I have to stay focused.” Undivided and undiverted attention to the task at hand is essential for victory.

At Jesus’ feet Martha criticized Mary. Of her He said, “One thing is needful” (Luke 10:42).

Nehemiah, the wall-building governor, replied to distracting invitations, “I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down!” (Nehemiah 6:3).

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).

“One thing” is the inspiring unspoken theme running through every achieving life. We are not to limp between two opinions. We must learn to say both “yes” and “no.” Yes, to the things of Christ and no to the things of the world. Concentration is essential.

Jim Egan worked at the West Coast Computer Fair in 1977. His job was to help displayers by providing booths and decorations.

Egan was approached by a couple of long-haired kids who wanted some chrome displays to make their booth “look flashy.” These guys were evidently under capitalized entrepreneurs. Egan offered to rent them what they wanted. They explained they were low on cash but offered him stock in their new company of which he had never heard. Having such brash young men come and go Egan said he would accept only hard cash. So Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs kept their stock in their small company they called Apple Computer. Presumably, Jim Egan is still decorating booths for hard cash only.

Apple Computer was successful because they did one thing and did it well. They have faltered in the market because they drifted from that single mindedness.

Another true story from the business world illustrates how essential it is to have a single minded purpose. Domino’s Pizza was founded by Thomas S. Monaghan who owned 97% of the stock. He borrowed $900 on which to start. The company grew so fast that in one year alone, 1985, it opened 900 stores. Suddenly Tom became a multi-millionaire. He bought the Detroit Tigers, he purchased airplanes and about 200 cars. He bought a north woods lodge located on 3,000 acres that was worth over $30,000,000.

He was so busy chasing multiple visions he failed to notice one thing. The business was slipping and Pizza Hut and Little Caesar’s were growing. His sales dropped and stores had to close. He said, “I’d taken my eye off the ball.”

After reading C.S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity he came to realize he was full of false pride. God got his attention. He said he then began to focus on God, his family, and Domino’s. He once again prioritized his life. Once again the business prospered and profits rose to $3 million a month. He said, “I feel good about having gotten the distractions out of my system…”

If you get them out of your system and focus on Christ you too will feel good about life.

One thing should motivate us above all else. As one who delights to travel in the Bible Land I try to be observant. Shepherds and their dogs can teach us much. As Christians we should be like sheep dogs. When a shepherd is in the process of giving a command the dog lies down at the shepherd’s feet and looks intently into the shepherd’s eyes. The dog listens without moving until the command is given. When the dog knows the mind of the master he jumps to his feet to carry out the command. There is another characteristic of the sheep dog. He never stops wagging his tail at any moment. He delights to hear and do his master’s will. So must we.

FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND. A runner who leads in a race must concentrate on what is before NOT the competitors and distance behind. Paul had balance. He remembered the good (Philippians 1:3) and put behind him that which would hinder. “The load of tomorrow added to that of yesterday, and carried today, makes the strongest falter.”

A distance runner never considers the laps run, only what is ahead. That must be our preoccupation. Keep focused on what is yet to be done and do it.

In overcoming the hurdles in our lives we need to consider Olympic hurdlers. They do not allow themselves a split second to think of a hurdle they just knocked over, they focus on the next one to jump. We must divert our attention from past failures and direct it to the next challenge. The past one can motivate us in our approach of the next, but it must not retain our attention.

He had been cleared by the courts of heaven and though he didn’t forget the lessons learned, he did not dwell on the past. We break the power of the past by living in the present for the good of the future.

REACHING FORTH

Time flows from the FUTURE to the PRESENT and into the PAST. LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT.

IV. AN HONOR ACHIEVED VERSE 14
We need to keep before us at all times a standard, an objective, a goal. The motto of the Olympic Games is: CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS, meaning “swifter, higher, stronger.”

Spiritually applied that is what it means to “press.” There is a drive to excel.

I PRESS, same verb translated “I follow” in verse 12. Intent endeavor. Two dangers:
(1) “I must do it all” (activist) and
(2) “God must do it all” (quietest). Some stay so involved “dying to self” they never “exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (I Timothy 4:7, 8). It is the individual who must “strive…reach forth…press.”

It would be absurd for a quarterback to say, “OK, fellows let’s let the coach do it all.” Equally absurd, “Listen to me and forget what the coach says.” Both are wrong. “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The believer does but with Christ’s enabling grace.

MARK = goal on which to set ones attention.
THE PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING = upward calling.

What is the “prize” that motivates you. We are at our best when there is a goal to be reached and a reward to be received. Olympic competitors have inspired us by their stories of self- sacrifice and discipline in order to “Go for the gold.” The gold is performance enhancement at its best.

When our goal is to please Christ and conform to His image we are motivated thereby.

Don’t be like the character in “Pilgrim’s Progress” that could look no way but downward with a muckrake in his hand.

AN APPEAL (Vss. 15, 16). Some day you will stand before the “judgement seat” (BEMA). The same term used for where the Olympic judges gave out prizes.

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14: 10 – 12).

BE PERFECT. In verse 12 the verb is in the perfect tense, but here a noun. In verse 12 he had said he wasn’t “perfect.” Now he refers to “as many as are perfect.” In verse 15 he is not speaking of absolute perfection but relative perfection.

A peach tree illustrates the relativity of the word. In April peaches are green but for that state, perfect. In June they must have matured to another state for perfection. “Become like Christ” is a life-long process.

One problem is we set standards too low for us. Looking at our old self we see we are better than we were and exercise pride. We look at many of those around us and get a superiority complex.

For this reason it is good to stay around mature believers. They challenge us by their example. However, the ever present example is the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep your eyes on Him. Spend your life getting to “know” Him better and more intimately.

The expression “follow after” means this is a continual process. It should be our life long pursuit. Throughout life we must “press forward.” The reality we are to press on indicates the Christian life is not a passive life.

Do you have a sense of personal discontent? That is, are you satisfied with your state of spiritual maturity or are you ambitious to grow spiritually?

How to Defuse Your Frustration 5/16/99

Luke 21:25-28

JESUS CHRIST spoke of a time when there would be “distress among nations, with perplexity…” and of “men’s hearts failing them.”

This summarily speaks of a time of great frustration. Nationally and internationally that potential is becoming increasingly clear. Perhaps you personally are facing a time of frustration.

Certainly it appears a broad segment of our nation is experiencing an epidemic of frustration. You know frustration.

Frustration is an emotion fathered by anger. It causes our blood pressure to rise, our breathing to accelerate, the pitch and volume of our voice to heighten.

Frustration results from us reacting against seemingly impossible circumstances.

One country comic said, “It makes me so mad I could eat a goatburger!” That’s frustration.

Frustration is the fruit of our failure to succeed and achieve. It is the outgrowth of our inability to reach a goal. It occurs when our hopes fade and our dreams die.

Frustration is a Ulysses on his odyssey coming to a rain- swollen river which he must cross and, finding it flooded, wades out into it waist-deep and beats it with a chain. Such frustrated response does no good. How many times have you found your stream flooded at the wrong time and flogged it with a chain?

Frustration is a little boy who has beaten on a locked door until exhausted and finally sits down and cries. Have you been there? Sure, all of us have been.

When that which promises to be exhilarating proves to be exasperating, we end up frustrated.

Webster defines frustration as “a deep chronic sense of insecurity arising from unresolved problems.”

You know that from your own experience. It is when you want something or want to do something real badly and things happen that just step in your way and shout “NOT.”

You have seen it, or perhaps you have been the one seen, whose plans are frustrated and you go ballistic.

Youth experience it when they get all “jacked up” and life kicks out the jack, causing a big letdown.

Frustration is a Moses coming to a much-needed spring of water and finding it dry, starts beating on the rock with his rod.

It is a John who gets fed up with the opposition and asks Jesus to call down fire from heaven on them.

Do you ever feel as frustrated as the fellow who bought a new boomerang and had trouble throwing the old one away?

At times you can feel it building. Resources aren’t available or have run out, time to act is elapsing, people to help have abandoned and the pressure rises until finally “melt-down.”

It is you senselessly honking your horn in a traffic jam.

It is our response to a comedy of confusing circumstances that keep us from being punctual at an appointment.

It’s kicking carpet when things just won’t go right.

It’s our reaction to the toaster which burns our toast and smokes up the house when we are in a hurry to get going.

It’s the burning of Los Angeles when a jury reaches a verdict that from the public view seems to be wrong.

In general there are two types of frustrations.

There are episode frustrations which are temporary problems, such as missing an important phone call, trying to get a knot out of a shoestring while friends call you a klutz or worse, or being unable to solve a computer glitch.

An episode of frustration is you slamming the refrigerator door because your favorite snack isn’t there.

It’s you kicking the cat or dog because someone chewed you out when you didn’t deserve it.

There are process frustrations which occur when a person continuously feels blocked in an area of life. Process frustrations build up and cause major problems.

It is you and circumstances standing face to face with life shouting “no way” and you responding “yes way” and circumstances won’t yield.

A few years ago psychologist William Knaus wrote a book entitled “How to Conquer Your Frustrations.” Some of his observations are worthy of noting. He said:

1. Frustrations exist when our wants, wishes, and desires get thwarted or interrupted. The feeling results from disparities between what we want and what we find available. For example, when our level of aspiration exceeds our level of achievement, we will likely experience frustration.

2. Frustrations can range from imperceptible to powerful.

3. Frustration starts from a feeling of discomfort.

4. We cause our frustrations because of what and how we think about our frustrations.

5. Strong frustrations result in mixed emotional states that have a disorganizing effect on memory and behavior.

6. Depending on how we interpret our feelings of frustration, they can stimulate positive change, aggression, regression, complacency, or compulsive behavior.

This last one means you choose how you will respond to your frustrations. Options are available to you. You are not a slave to your heredity or environment. You have willpower. You are responsible.

Therefore, from a Biblical perspective, let’s consider how to deal with our frustrations. First consider some DON’TS.

I. DON’T

A. RESORT TO VINDICATION.
In their time of frustration many people try to find someone or something to blame in order to justify themselves. “They made me do it,” is a cover-all for all sorts of inexcusable attitudes and actions.

Remember, Dr. Knaus said, “We cause our frustrations because of what and how we think…”

Solomon wisely wrote: “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). If an individual or a group gets to thinking they have been wronged and have the right to destructively retaliate, violence results.

Few people are willing to take responsibility for their own actions. One of the most extreme possibilities I have heard of in this matter relates to a report that peanut butter allegedly increases one’s sex drive. Can’t you just hear some rapist pleading innocent in a court of law declaring: “I am innocent, Jiffy made me do it.”

READ: MARK 7:20 – 23.

“…each of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Never do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.

“Do not evil that good may come.”

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourself and for all” (I Thes. 5:15).

B. RESORT TO VIOLENCE.
John the Baptist was God’s oracle who said, “Do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14).

Proverbs 16:32 reminds us: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

Psalms 11:5, “The Lord tests the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.”

Violence may hurt others but it doesn’t help you.

Don’t get “ballistic” over your frustrations.

Plato said, “The good man will suffer evil rather than do evil.”

C. RESORT TO VENGEANCE.
Romans 12:17-19 is a case study in how to respond without a vengeful spirit.

1. Live Honestly. “Repay no one evil for evil” (Vs. 17). The great Booker T. Washington said, “I will not allow any man to make me lower myself by hating him.”

2. Live Harmoniously. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Vs. 18). Do all you can, without compromising your convictions, to achieve peace and harmony.

3. Live Humbly. “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath … Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Vs. 19).

“Do not avenge yourselves” means don’t take the law in your own hands.

Don’t retaliate in like manner. If vengeance is God’s business, get out of His way and let Him to His work. He doesn’t need your help.

“Give place to wrath” is better understood as translated in the Goodspeed version: “leave room for God’s anger.” That is, get out of God’s way and let Him work. Don’t get so involved that God’s anger boils over on you also.

II. DO

Realizing we have frustrations we must learn how to deal with them.

A. RESPOND CONSTRUCTIVELY
Earlier, psychologist Dr. William Knaus was quoted as saying frustration can “stimulate positive change.” Resolve to let it do so. Work for positive change.

B. RELY ON THE LORD
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in the time of trouble” (Psalms 9:9).

To the oppressed, refuge is offered. There are many oppressed in our land. You are on occasion oppressed by circumstances or people. All of us are.

We are a generation that has been taught to demand its rights. No race of any generation has been so committed to demanding rights. Because of the popularity of this mentality, I know I make myself vulnerable to criticism for espousing a contrary concept. Let the Scripture speak for itself.

“Let each esteem others better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3).

“In honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).

Can you imagine Christ demanding His rights. “Here Peter, you take this towel and bowl and wash my feet. That’s your job – not mine.”

C. RESORT TO PRAYER
“Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you” (Psalms 55:22).

You can express frustrations to the Lord. He cares for you.

D. WAIT UPON THE LORD
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the brilliant Russian literary genius, was imprisoned in a horrible Siberian camp because of his religious and political views.

Consider the emotional, cultural, financial, or educational prison in which you might presently be. He had no contact with the outside world and was subjected to strenuous work under adverse conditions.

His frustration drove him to consider suicide, but his faith would not allow it.

Earlier I quoted Dr. Knaus as saying frustration could have a “disorganizing effect on memory and behavior.” In that frustrated state Solzhenitsyn contrived a plan. “I will run in an attempt to escape. They will shoot me, but it will not be suicide.”

Frustration had driven him to the brink of self-destruction.

Just as he was about to spring up and run, another prisoner whom he had not seen before came and stood in front of him. Of this one Solzhenitsyn said, “He looked into my eyes as though he could read my thoughts.”

These prisoners were not even allowed to speak, so no words of encouragement were forthcoming. Then, with a stick, as though doodling, the unknown old prisoner drew a cross in the dirt and walked away.

Solzhenitsyn said, “I knew he was a messenger from God and that what I was doing was wrong. I settled down to trust God.”

It was a moment of unqualified trust. Little did he know at the moment that the impossible was about to happen. Within a few days he was a free man in Switzerland, having been miraculously released unexpectedly.

By not waiting on the Lord you may be about to prevent Him from doing a great and mighty work in your life.

“Wait on the Lord, run not before Him.”

Go On Worry, Prove It Doesn’t Work – Part Two

Simply stated, Jesus said, “Don’t ever worry.”

Worry is an attitude of mind that affects the body physically. Emotional instability causes physical deterioration. Jesus understood the destructive power of worry, and he knew that this negative mental attitude was detrimental to health.

Worry will fatigue every neuron in your psyche.

When you worry your adrenal gland is functioning so rapidly that your bloodstream cannot throw off the excess adrenaline.

Some medical authorities say that worry places more stress on the heart than any other stimulus, including physical exercise and/or fatigue. Some estimate that worry causes two-thirds of today’s physical illness. It contributes to high blood pressure, heart trouble, kidney disease, goiter, arthritis, headaches, and strokes. It can cause excessive perspiration, muscle tension, hyperventilation, abdominal pain, “butterflies,” nausea, and a quivering voice.

People who don’t know how to win over worry lose the battle for life. Worry results in phobias, neuroses, psychoses, psychophysiologic disorders. 

Worry in the extreme causes abulia — the loss of will power. Abulia is a word for a nervous breakdown.

Worry is like a soft bed, it is easy to get into and hard to get out of. 

Once a positive or negative pattern of thought is established, and this is often done early in life, it becomes instinctive to maintain it.

How then can we win over worry?

“Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established…” (Proverbs 16:3)

“Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (II Cor. 12: 9b) Accept your limitations and liabilities and resolve to use them to the glory of the Lord.

“God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Tim. 1:7) Analyze your thoughts.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” (Psalms 42: 5)

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you”(Isaiah 26:3).

“Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7). Worry, in effect says, “You lied, God.”

Settle the issue of eternity by placing your faith in Christ. Cast the care of your eternal destiny on the Lord. If you have never done this, don’t worry about it, just do.

Go On Worry, Prove It Doesn’t Work – Part One

A confluence of negative and troublesome issues have resulted in an outbreak of worry for many. None can be helped by worrying about them.

Jesus Christ knows human nature. He knows your tendency to worry. He is aware of your proclivity to be pessimistic and look on the dark side of most things. Knowing this He addressed the subject by posing a practical question showing the futility of worry: “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6: 17). In other words, worry changes nothing. Therefore, it doesn’t help.

Modern day behavioral psychologists have studiously observed people who worry and concluded the following:

• 40% of the things we worry about never happen.
• 30% have already happened.
• 12% relate unnecessarily to our own health.
• 10% pertain to miscellaneous minutia.
• 8% need our undivided attention and worry prevents this.

Mark Twain once wrote: “I am an old man and I have seen a lot of troubles, but most of them never happened.”

The Authorized King James version translates the Greek word  MERIMNAO “take no thought.” The Greek word has two parts which are MERIM, meaning “mind” and NAO, signifying “to divide.” Thus, the word speaks of a divided mind. That is what worry is, a divided mind. It means to fall to pieces. Oldtimers used to say, “I just fell to pieces.”

The reason MERIMNAO is translated “take no thought” in the AKJ and “worry” in the NKJ is because word meanings tend to change. To “take no thought” is what worry is, therefore it is so translated.

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)

Worry divides our MIND, our UNDERSTANDING; therefore, we end up wishy-washy and confused.

Worry divides our DISCERNMENT; therefore, our observations and conclusions are cloudy.

Worry divides our FEELINGS and as a result our emotions are unstable.

One friend said to another, “No wonder you are always tired. You do everything three times. You worry about it before you do it. Then you do it. Then you worry about having done it.”

Worry is irreverent, for it fails to recognize God who gave us life as the one who sustains life. It is irrelevant in that it does not change anything.

It is irresponsible because it uses up time and burns up  energy without using it productively.

Worry is a medallion worn by those who have not yet concluded, “Jesus Christ will take care of me.” Prove you do believe He will by not worrying.