The Answer to Worry

Life is a walk of faith, isn’t it?

Some days we seem to do just fine. Other days are a struggle. Or am I the only one who experiences these ups and downs??

This morning was a beautiful morning. After climbing out of the comfort of my bed, I enjoyed a heavenly-tasting cup of coffee, as I appreciated the sunshine streaming in through our windows. One cup turned into two, then I made the mistake of opening up our mail…a rather large doctor bill, and an even larger dentist bill. As I added up the totals in my head, a sinking feeling of worry began welling up inside of me.

From experience, I knew I needed to take this worry head-on. I took some time this afternoon, and did the only things I knew to do. I talked with God. I dug deep into my Bible. I began seeking God’s promises of His provision, of His faithfulness, of His love for me, and how He takes care of His own. And look what God reminded me of in Matthew 6:30-33 from The Voice translation:

So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? {How will we pay these astronomical doctor and dentist bills?} Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too.

(NOTE: Bracketed words are mine.)

Well, there He goes again… God provided, this time in the form of an answer. He reminded me I am to seek Him and His righteousness, and not to worry. He knows exactly what we need. Exactly. And all these things will be given to us. He will provide, just as He’s always done.

And the welling-up of worry subsided.

I ask you, what are you worried about at this moment? Money? Your health? A wayward child? Paying off a debt? A tough situation? Your job? Your marriage? Your aging parents? Your pregnancy?

Whatever it is, talk to God about it. Give the worry to Him. Read the above scripture, adding your worry inside the brackets, as I did. Look for other scriptures that encourage you. Continue to seek Him, as you keep your focus on Him and off your worry. Walk it out with God, and watch what He does.

Then trust. It’s all going to be okay. God is with you, and God is with me. He will never leave us, and we have nothing to fear. Nothing! (Deuteronomy 31:8 is another good promise to cling to.) Don’t let worry rob you of the beauty and blessings God has provided you this day.

I’ll back up a few verses in Matthew 6 (26 and 27) and close with Jesus’ words…

Look at the birds in the sky. They do not store food for winter. They don’t plant gardens. They do not sow or reap—and yet, they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird. If He looks after them, of course He will look after you. Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying?

Amen!