What Me Worry?
“Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God,” New Testament scholar R. H Mounce said. Harsh sounding isn’t it? Thinking about worry might very well lead to that conclusion. It is a way of demonstrably saying God isn’t who the Bible says He is and He can’t do what He has promised to do. It indicates we think our problem is bigger than His promises.
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Do you believe that, really believe it? If so, you know there is no place for worry. Concern when married with confidence in God as a capable promise keeper gives peace, not worry.
Pastor Rick Warren opined, “ Worry is the warning light that God is not really first in my life at this particular moment because worry says that God is not big enough to handle my troubles.”
Consider the instruction given in Scripture, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself…” (Psalm 37: 7). Do you believe that? If so, respond so.
Think about your tendency to worry in light of this research.
40% never happens
30% concerns the past
12% are needless worries regarding our health
10% are about petty issues
8% are legitimate concerns.
That means 92% of our “worry time” is wasted energy. Scripture teaches that we should not even worry about the 8%.
We must not be flippant about concerning conditions, adverse actions, perplexing problems, difficult decisions, overt obstacles, and numerous needs to be met. These often require persistent prayerfulness, proper planning, contemplation, study, research, and council. All of this should be addressed calmly, confidently, and contentedly. God knows who you are, where you are, why you need His help, and how to help you. He has the love, wisdom, and ability to meet your needs. Don’t complain or worry if you have to give God time to be God. Remember, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him” (Isaiah 30: 8).
“… those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40: 31).
An anxious person asked God, “Why do you so often lead me into deep water?” God said, “Because your enemies can’t swim.”
We have reason to say, “O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening. O Lord, I am calling to you” (Psalm 59: 17). Do it and don’t worry.