TODAY IS…

a good day to eliminate worry.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6 NIV

George Mueller was an author, a preacher, and a founder of Christian orphanages during the 1800’s. Mr. Mueller offered this perspective on worry: “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”

Several different teachers throughout the Bible instructed us not to worry. In Philippians 4:6, Paul stresses the importance of turning our worry over to God in prayer and with thanksgiving.

Peter tells us the same thing when he says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

The most powerful statements come from our Lord, Jesus Christ, when He spoke at length on the subject in Matthew 6:25-34.

In part, He said, “And who of you by being worried can add a single day to his life?” (Matthew 6:27 NASB).

His solution to worry?

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).

Many of us probably tell ourselves that it is easier to talk about not worrying than it is to actually stop. While it may not be easy to totally eliminate worry, it is important to recognize that worry is the passive act of making ourselves anxious about something over which we have no control. When we allow ourselves to worry, we run several risks: adversely affecting our health; immobilizing ourselves, making us ineffective in other tasks; affecting our ability to relate to loved ones and other people in our personal and professional lives; and – most importantly – worry can tear at the very fabric of our trust in God.

Fully trusting in God will help us to avoid the pitfalls of worry and be happy and content knowing God is in control. As humans, we have a tendency to try to be the driver when in actuality we are the vehicle. Letting God drive allows us to get where we need to go via a road less bumpy than one we are likely to select ourselves.

Worry is evil whispering in your ear.

Worry is evil eating at your heart and your mind.

Worry is stepping backward from the light into the darkness.

It is important to remember that our ability to eliminate worry is in direct proportion to two things: 1) The strength of our faith; 2) How much we pray.

Strengthen your faith by reading the Bible daily and pray for God to take your burdens from you.

Let God drive. He knows the Way.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson