4 Reasons NOT to worry...

[jayne]

OK, OK, I didn't write this one. I couldn't. I am the self-professed QUEEN of WORRY. (I did add a few extra scriptures, that's all.)

(jayne, the Queen of Worry!)

Here you go. (author unknown)

What Does the Bible Say About Worry?
(In addition to commanding us NOT to.)

Over the span of our lifetimes, worrying accounts for hours and hours of invaluable time that we will never get back. So, let's spend our time more wisely and more enjoyably. Not convinced yet? Here are four biblical reasons not to worry.

1. Worrying Accomplishes Absolutely Nothing.

Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it? Matthew 6:27-29** (see all scriptures below)

2. Worrying is Not Good for You.

Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause us to grow physically sick. Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 3:5-8

3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.

The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. This isn't mine, but here is a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust. Matthew 6:30 , Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 34:4


4. Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction.

When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us.

Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need. Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:31-33, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 13:6

.................................................. .....

• Matthew 6:27-29
  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. (NLT)

• Proverbs 12:25
  Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT)

• Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

• Matthew 6:30
  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? (NLT)

• Philippians 4:6-7
  Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

• Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

• Matthew 6:25
  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? (NLT)

• Matthew 6:31-33
  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. (NLT)

• Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.

• 1 Peter 5:7
  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

• Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

[JohnnieGuy]

I'm the King of worry, so maybe we should get married?!

#3 is the best.

[Vhayes]

GREAT post, Jayne. Thank you for presenting it here.
V

[tt1106]

I agree, Great post. I am the opposite. I have always been the kind to not worry. Or seldom worry.
Even as an Atheist, I believed that things were mostly out of our control. The difference now, is I know who is IN control. I trust the Lord to bring me through whatever he puts me in. His ways are not my ways, so he may choose to teach me to be faithful or teach me perserverence or patience, but that is ok.
I trust that when he allows me to descend into the valley, he will ultimately lead me out again.

[militarywife]

Thanks Jayne. Great post.

[Jeanne D]

I see we're all related.. we must be because "worry" is my middle name.

Anyway, great post jayne.. just what I needed!

Jeanne

[IMINXTC]

Great! Now I forgot what I was worried about! Thanks a lot!

I wasn't able to rep you as yet, but great post

[RabbiKnife]

Worry is prepaid interest on a debt that you will likely never incur.

[lovex]

This is one of my biggest challenges while becoming so involved with our lord. My worrying is out of controlll!!!!!! I've been trying to hand it all over too him but of course, in the back on my mind I'm worrying about something else..

I loved this one :
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?

[Cleo]

I needed that, thanks for posting it!

[Gregg]

Should I worry that I don't worry enough?

Just kidding, great post!

[miepie]

Great post Jayne..... Comes exactly on time too! I just heard we have a serious sickness in the family (my brother), so it's easy to worry now........

Love you,
Mieke

[moonglow]

I know those passages and verses very well! I can't say its helped that much though with worrying about certain things... Very frustrating indeed!

God bless

[Brother Mark]

I would add something a little different, but still within the spirit of the OP.

Often we trust God and still worry. How? Because we fear what God will let happen. Jesus didn't want to go through the cross and prayed in the garden to have that cup taken from him.

So what can we do then? At some point we have to trust God and accept what he is willing to allow happen in our lives. Worry comes from an unwillingness to endure what he might bring about. And along with that, is a lack of trust in his heart.

Said another way, our focus is on the temporal more than the eternal. It's not an easy thing to get around. But in time, we can grow through it. I don't worry about things now that I use to worry about. On the other hand, I am still growing in what I am willing to die to in my own life. When I am truly dead to things, there's nothing really left to worry about. It's the whole "seeking to save my life" that gets me in trouble with worry and other things.

Grace and peace,

Mark

[Twin2]

I'd be lying if I said I never worried, but I hardly worry anymore. When I realize I am worrying, I try to give it to the Lord. I used to worry the majority of the time. I finally learned, the events of life are just that, events of life. I have been through some things I never thought I'd go through, let alone deserve. Trials didn't mean I wasn't living for the Lord. They didn't mean I was a cursed person. In fact, the trials in life helped to teach me how to live. Worry does take a lot of time, and it also hinders a person from seeing their blessing or even their callings in life. If I trust and serve the Lord, everything is going to work to my good anyway. I might not see the outcome I want, but the Lord knows what is best. And yes, when a person worries they often worry about things that are likely not going to happen anyway.

Jayne, I'm really enjoying your posts. Thank you for backing up your thoughts with scripture.