We all do it – some more often than others. Worry – it’s defined as being worried, concerned, anxious, troubled or uneasy. We tell others about our worries (we usually call them ‘concerns’ thinking it doesn’t sound as bad) and we sometimes lose sleep because of it. It takes over our life, especially when times get tough. We worry about imminent situations, we fret about future decisions and we fear unforeseen circumstances.
For Christians, it is actually a sin to worry and be anxious. For unbelievers, they have no other way to respond to trials because they don’t know God and therefore can’t trust Him. What is the reason for our worry?
Jerry Bridges explains the source of Christians’ anxiety in his book, The Practice of Godliness:
So why do we worry? Because we do not believe. We are not really convinced that the same Jesus who can keep a sparrow in the air knows where our lost luggage is, or how we are going to pay that auto repair bill, or how we can get to our destination on time. Or if we believe that He can deliver us through our difficulties, we doubt if He will.
Does this sound like you? It certainly is hard to hear that my source of worry is distrust and doubt. I believe that Bridges has it right, though. We don’t actually believe God will do what He says in His Word He will do. We don’t trust that He will guide us through every situation that He has willing allowed to come into our life.
It comes back to trust. Do we really trust God? Is He trustworthy? Can He handle our problems?
Lately, every time some tempting thought about an overwhelming situation consumes my mind I consciously push it aside and reassure myself that God will give me the strength and ability to handle that issue when the time comes. Bridges also says in his book that we must pray for peace and God will be more than happy to give it. We are actually commanded to pray about everything (see Philippians 4:6) – this is the way to release our worries into the loving hands of our Father.
God is trustworthy. Give Him your troubles and allow Him to give you His strength for each of your circumstances.
