That seems like too much to expect during the challenging times in which we find ourselves, doesn’t it? As if our “normal” lives didn’t already have enough issues in them to worry over, now we’ve added the pandemic, civil unrest, divisive politics, and a TON of uncertainty. Mental health professionals caution us about the toll our current situations will have on our sense of well-being. And MANY people are struggling with depression and hopelessness and…worry. How could we not?
And yet, the Bible is clear, over and over again, that we are NOT to worry. Let me take that one challenging step further – if God commands us not to do something, then we sin if we don’t obey that command. (Read on for the story behind God’s reminder to me of that.)
Before you get discouraged or defeated or indignant about that statement, let me remind us all of a few biblical truths.
- So long as we live in this fallen world, we will deal constantly with sin. (Romans 7:18)
- Jesus has already paid the price for all of those specific sins if you’ve acknowledged him as your Savior. (Romans 5:8)
- Even though our human eyes see huge distinctions, all sin is abhorrent to God. While he may distinguish the severity of a murderous heart and that of a worrisome heart, both are sin and in need of God’s saving grace. (Romans 3:23-24)
- The Holy Spirit can and does work in our lives to help us conquer worry – and conversely attain God’s peace. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- God’s sovereignty is unshakeable, and his goodness is sure. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Some could suggest that the Bible’s exhortation to “worry not” is akin to the exhortation “fear not.” You could make a strong case that they are getting to the same root issues.
So, just how important is it to God that we understand the magnitude of this command? Many of you may be aware of the fact that the Bible says “fear not” 365 times. Yep, once for every day.
Not only does that tell us how important it is for us to worry not, or fear not, it ALSO tells us how often we need to be reminded of its truth! Because, of course, our natural inclination is to worry.
So now that we’ve looked at what’s behind our propensity to worry, and reviewed a few scripture texts to help us move to a more peaceful existence, I’ll share how God brought this truth back into my life.
As I’ve mentioned a few times recently, I am working on developing an on-line course for Christian widows. The process is more overwhelming and daunting and confusing and “technology-ridden” than anything I’ve ever done. There are times I want to throw in the towel and go eat chocolate. I have awakened many mornings with feelings of anxiety and even mild panic at all that lies ahead – and how completely inadequate I feel to accomplish this goal.
THAT’S when God laid upon my heart that my worry and anxiety and panic over this path HE HAS CALLED ME TO, is in fact sinful. Sometimes God’s truths are piercing as this one was for me that day.
Sure, I know all the biblical exhortations about not worrying, but I was clearly not applying them in the necessary, practical sense when I needed it most.
So, with a specific course-development roadblock in mind, I sat quietly before God, acknowledged to him my inability to conquer this particular challenge, and more importantly my inability to stop worrying about it. I asked him to calm my spirit and to impart his wisdom to me.
It wasn’t a quick, on-the-fly prayer, although he hears and answers those as well. It was a deliberate, intentional conversation with Almighty God. Nothing was more important in that moment than acting on what he had just laid on my heart.
And guess what? As he so often does, he gave me clear solutions for the problem I had been wrestling with for a couple of weeks. And then within a few minutes, a phone call and conversation with a friend gave me powerful confirmation that I had heard him correctly! (That’s a story for another day.)
As if I really needed a bonus after this powerful exchange, God ALSO gave me that infamous “peace that passeth all understanding.” This nagging issue was laid to rest once and for all.
God wants that kind of “divine exchange” with you, too. What keeps you awake at night? Or bombards your conscious thought first thing in the morning? What troubles and worries linger all day long? Quite likely they’re bigger than my example. But that’s not really the point. The God who helps us trust him in our trials is big enough for any worry you may carry. Learn to turn the control and the outcome over to him.
So, the answer to the title question is, “YES, we CAN learn not to worry.” And learn it again and again and again… God is patient and will guide us every time we need to relearn this lesson.
I’ll end this post with some of my favorite “don’t worry” scripture texts, and my prayer for you that God would make them real in your daily struggles.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? (Matt 6:25)
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matt 6:34)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4;6-7)
Leave a Reply