The Christian and Worry

Do you ever worry? I do. Yes, I know that a Christian is not supposed to worry – but the fact is that I often worry. I even find myself at times worrying about worry! Just as there are reasonable fears – such as the fear of God or being fearful of sticking your hand in fire – I wonder if there is such a thing as a reasonable amount of worry. Did worry ever help me in my profession? No! Do not confuse worry with thinking about solving a problem. Planning for and solving problems is a wise use of energy. Worry drains you of energy and confuses the mind.

People often worry about things they cannot do anything about. I am such a control freak that I often catch myself doing this. I am only human, but I am a Christian. I should be putting my trust in God concerning such matters. Worry has never had any positive effect on the problems I have faced in my life.

Too much worry has harmful effects, both physically and mentally. I can testify to that. I often go to the words of the Apostle Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

I believe that worry tends to dry up the work of grace that is taking place inside a Christian. Therefore, it must be one of Satan’s favorite tools. It distorts your focus on the Christian life. Worry kills trust in God’s providential care. We need to learn to accept that the future belongs to God and is in His hands.

Over the years, I have learned that worry is a sign that I am trusting only in myself. Usually, this means that I am obsessed with problems or circumstances I can do nothing about, instead of praying to God who has real power over all things. William F. Ullathorne once wrote, “Beware of anxiety. Next to sin, there is nothing that so troubles the mind, strains the heart, distresses the soul, and confuses the judgment.”

Those are good words of advice. We can find much relief in the Bible (particularly the Psalms) and there is God’s best medicine to battle your worry. Cast your cares on Him for whom no burden is too great. There is hope for the obsessive worrywart. That is part of what makes grace so amazing.