What, me worry?

Worry is common. Worry is everywhere. Even the disciples, who walked with Jesus Christ, the creator of Heaven and Earth, the Son of God, and the King of the Jews, suffered worry. Even the disciples, who saw Jesus give sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, cleansed the lepers, and caused the deaf to hear, suffered worry. Even the disciples, who heard Jesus proclaim the good news to the poor, suffered worry. Even the disciples, who were with Jesus when he calmed the raging sea, when he raised the dead to life, and when he fed the thousands with some loaves and fishes, suffered from worry. Jesus knew they worried and he talked with them. And, he knows you worry, so hear him talking to you now…

“Dear friends, don’t be afraid5399 of those who want to kill your body… (Luke 12:4)

5399 phobeó
to fear, withdraw (flee) from, avoid. See 5401 (phobos). to fear, be afraid; the Sept. very often for יָרֵא; absolutely to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm: of those who fear harm or injury, More modern ‘a phobia’.

There are legitimate reasons to be afraid. Millions have been killed by war, religion, famine, pestilence, man-made disasters, and natural disasters. Millions more will die in the future. But, unlike the song “Que Sera, Sera” (popularized by Doris Day in 1956), Christians can know what their future holds.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought! (Job 19:25-27)

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” (Luke 12:11-12)

Godly men have depended upon this strength through all ages. Wendell P. Loveless, wrote this song in 1940 during the uncertainty before World War II. It’s just as true  today…

i-have-christ-in-my-heart
I Have Christ in my Heart by Loveless, Wendell P.
© 1940, Ren. 1968 Hope Publishing Company , Carol Stream, IL 60188.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? (Luke 12:22-26)

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (Luke 12:29-31)

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

And, in the words of many late night talk show hosts, the number one reason to keep from worrying is…

  1. Be humbled by God’s power so that when the right time comes he will honor you. Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering.
    God, who shows you his kindness and who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong, and support you as you suffer for a little while. Power belongs to him forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

Consider these words from Jeremy Camp – Same Power

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us, lives in us
The same power that moves mountains when He speaks
The same power that can calm a raging sea
Lives in us, lives in us
He lives in us, lives in us

For deeper study:

Hebrews 11
All these people died still believing what God had promised them. … But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

One Reply to “What, me worry?”

  1. The Simple but Effective Way to Stop Worrying So Much (It Sounds Ridiculous, But It Actually Works) — Most of the worriers who enter my therapy office are hoping for a quick solution. I don’t blame them–worrying takes a toll on your well-being. But there isn’t a magic trick or a special pill that instantly cures worrying. Several studies have found scheduling time to worry is an effective way to reduce worry. And most studies have found people experience relief in about two weeks.