It was a long day at work, and I was eager to go to a sports equipment store to buy a new pair of work boots when I realized that I didn’t have my wallet. I quickly contacted my co-worker and asked if I had left it in the vehicle that he and I rode in; he confirmed that it wasn’t there. After diligently searching, I concluded that I had lost my wallet. Within the next twenty-four hours I experienced anxiety from the mere thought of having to go through the process of requesting new bank and identification cards. While relaxing on a hydrotherapy bed after a workout at the gym the idea came to me to call the restaurant my co-worker and I ate at for lunch. I called immediately and learned that my wallet had been recovered and was waiting for me at the restaurant.
In Matthew 6:31-34 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
The message is clear, when confronted with the many uncertainties of life, don’t worry about it! Even though, according to Yahoo News: “…food shortages will likely continue in 2023”. From the same source: “Two terms – climate change and global warming – point to the same existential threat: Global temperatures have risen dramatically in about the past 150 years and scientists say they’re on pace to radically alter life on Earth in coming decades” and VOAnews.com reports: “The outlook for the global economy headed into 2023 has soured, according to a number of recent analyses, as the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to strain trade, particularly in Europe, and as markets await a fuller reopening of the Chinese economy following months of disruptive COVID-19 lockdowns.”
To worry means to give way to anxiety or unease and to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Since loving the Lord with all our minds is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37) we can conclude that it is a sin to worry. Hebrews chapter eleven and verse six states: “But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” It is impossible for us to exercise trust (faith) in God while at the same time worrying about the problem(s) before us. How can we meditate on the Problem Solver while at the same time be emotionally consumed by the problem itself? “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” was the admonition of John the Baptist in John 1:29. It is only by beholding the love, wisdom and power of the Son of God that we are transformed into His image. What then does the effect of beholding anxiety causing thoughts have on us?
WebMD.com provides us with an answer to the above question: “Chronic worrying can affect your daily life so much that it may interfere with your appetite, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance. Many people who worry excessively are so anxiety-ridden that they seek relief in harmful lifestyle habits such as overeating, cigarette smoking, or using alcohol and drugs. Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems…The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions such as: difficulty swallowing, dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat and fatigue. When we choose to worry about how and when our needs will be met, and our problems will be solved we invite a host of illnesses that make it difficult for us to glorify God in our minds and bodies.”
In conclusion, let’s remember that our Creator delights in being our Sustainer. The book The Desire of Ages 330.1 encourages us with the words: “Worry is blind and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honour of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet….” DOA 330.1 And Isaiah chapter twenty-six and verse three declares: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” The lesson for us to learn during these trying times is the discipline of resting in the care of the living God. Today’s troubles are the tools used to help us learn this lesson. Now, sing with me the words from the late Bob Marley: “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright!”