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What do you worry about? What causes you to stay up at night? You may be asking the questions:

  • Will I be able to pay my bills?
  • Will I have enough money to retire?
  • Will my kids be safe?
  • Will I be be able to take care of my parents?
  • Will I die peacefully?

Living in a fast-paced, restless, and distracted world, there is always the temptation for us to be worried. If we're not careful, our worries can weigh us down.

woman worrying

Proverbs 12:25 tells us: "An anxious heart weighs a man down."

I've heard it said that "we don't get ulcers from what we eat, we get ulcers from what is eating us." Stress causes our headaches, heartaches, backaches, and bellyaches.

The late Dale Carnegie did a study that revealed:

  • 40% of the things we worry about don't ever actually happen.
  • 30% of the things we worry about are regarding the past and can't be changed.
  • 12% of things we worry about are criticism from others, mostly untrue.
  • 10% of the things we worry about are health related, which gets worse with stress.
  • 8% of the things we worry about are real problems that we face.

What Carnegie realized in this study was that most of the stuff we worry about don't ever actually happen or are unfounded and unnecessary.

When we worry, we sin.

Worry is a distrust in God, and worry is not accepting God's providence in our lives.

When we worry, we forget God is sovereign over our circumstances, and we essentially tell God that He is not in control.

worry 2

It's so easy to worry as our lives are hectic; however, I want to encourage you to fight the sin of worry. How do we fight worry?

1. We Name It, Claim It, & Confess It.

To be able to fight worry, we have to identify what situations and circumstances cause us to be anxious. We need to admit where we don't trust God, and we need to ask Him for forgiveness. 

There is great relief in repentance and in acknowledging our sins before God.

2. We Immerse Ourselves in Scripture.

As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, our worries will disperse.

When we read the Bible, our worries will disappear, dissipate, and dissolve.

Think about all the passages in the Bible that address the topic of worry & anxiety. For example...

Matthew 6:34 - Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 -- Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

daily-bible-reading

The most familiar chapter in the Bible in all the world and throughout history is Psalm 23. Psalm 23 describes how God is our Provider and our Protector.

The Lord is our Provider.

  • The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need (Psalm 23:1 - NLT).
  • (The Lord) makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:1).
  • He restores my soul (Psalm 23:3).

The Lord Jesus is the One Who not only provides for our needs, He also provides for us eternal life when we die. He also gives us peace through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27).

The Lord is our Protector.

  • (The Lord) guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3).
  • Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. His rod and staff comforts us (Psalm 23:4).
  • He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23:5).
  • Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).

The very fact that the Lord is our Provider and our Protector should fill us with peace and help us fight worry.

3. We Encourage One Another. 

Proverbs 12:25 goes on to say, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

To encourage someone means to give support or confidence to someone. Encouraging someone means to boost and strengthen someone's confidence.

A kind word can cheer someone up. A kind word can boost someone's confidence. 

We all need courage to fight our fears and worries. Encouragement attacks anxiety.

encourage

If you are struggling with worry today, remember to confess it, immerse yourself in the Bible and God's promises, and encourage others who are in the fight with you.

 

 

 

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