“I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” ~ Winston Churchill
Worry is draining. When you “spend” worry, it’s like borrowing money before you need it. You essentially create an emotional debt for something that may or may not happen. Worry charges high interest in the form of distraction and fear that will eventually drain your emotional bank account. Why worry? In our humanity, we have weaknesses that allow the circumstances of this world to distract us from simply trusting God. Here’s what Jesus had to say about worry:
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:25-34 NLT)
Worry is a weakness, and we must exercise our faith so it becomes stronger than our worry. Worry is a waste of energy! Why not use that same amount of energy to strengthen your faith? Begin by changing your focus from the fear of what you might lose to a mindset of being thankful for the blessings you have.
Worry is the result of living with a fear perspective instead of a faith perspective. Your faith in God and your trust in His love for you will help you overcome fear and gain victory over worry. You don’t have to borrow worry when you have a trust account with God.
Set your mind on the blessings in your life. Don’t allow the circumstances of this world to cause you to worry. You have a Heavenly Father who has an eternal plan and purpose for your life. Spend all your energy on strengthening your faith today as you overcome worry by learning to trust God.