I recently spent time with a friend who is a “worrier”.  It is often difficult to be around her as our conversations usually revolve around what she is currently having anxiety about. I have frequently asked her why she is worrying about such trivial things that will probably never happen. Her answer is usually, “Well, what if they do”?

We have had many discussions about how God instructs us not to worry in Matthew 6:34. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. When we spend our days being anxious or worried about tomorrow, we waste that day and accomplish nothing that will change the future.

This verse is not a call to shirk our responsibilities, but to trust God one day at a time. Mary Hemingway, a pioneering female journalist, a WWII correspondent and the fourth wife of Ernest Hemingway, made this statement: Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime, you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.

God knows our natural tendencies toward fear and anxiety. His Word repeatedly offers assurance of His promises to take care of us. Philippians 4:5-7 reinforces His teaching: Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Worry drains us, distracts us and distances us from trust. But with God and His unconditional love for us, He calls us to live differently; to remember He is in control, He is good, and He is with us.  He is LOVE. Thanks be to God!

Patty