Worry Is NOT and Option!

Whether you are in commerce, government, the trades, professions, media, in school, at home, in the public square or whatever-- Worry is NOT an Option!

Timidity, dread, worry, being stressed-out or facing a full-blown panic attack, all are levels and demonstrations of fear. None of them are of God. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.” ~ 1 John 4:18. Now that does not exactly sound like something you desire, does it? Indeed, the Word of God contains no fewer than 365 commands not to fear. God’s commands are not suggestions “if you think you can do it.” And everything He commands contains within that command everything we need to comply.

This is written primarily to born-again, believing followers of Jesus Christ. For the unbeliever there is much to fear outright. The goodness and love of God should lead you to repentance and the acceptance of the wonderful gift He had bought for you at the highest price that ever will be paid. The choice is yours.

In a song or simply talking, never say things like, “I’m going crazy; I fell like I’m losing my mind.” Spoken words have creative power in them. And why not? We were created in the image and likeness of almighty God, so we have His attributes to a lesser extent. Saying things that are not good can open the door for the devil to go to work in our lives, and he is more than happy to do so. Yet far too many of us allow the wrong things to run in continuous loop through our heads.

Do feelings of worry and fear come upon you? Yes, of course. They will try to come upon anyone the devil thinks might cave into them. However, just because a bird flies over your head does not mean he can land and make a nest in your hair without your permission. You have the power to decide what you will entertain and react to. Much like sitting in an uncomfortable rocking chair: lots of exercise, but it won’t take you anywhere.

A stray can can come to your door, meowing pitifully. You don’t want the cat, but you give it a little to eat. Will it come back again? You betcha. As long as you feed it, it will return again and again, perhaps bringing in others with it. You’ll have one dickens of a time ever getting rid of those cats!

Have you ever helped a living soul by worrying? As Al Borland often said, “I don’t think so, Tim.” It doesn’t prove you care, but that you lack faith. Did you just receive some bad news? That is not the last word, even coming from a professional. My response is to turn to the Lord: “okay, Father, I heard what they had to say. Now, what do You say? What does Your Word say? Then that is the only verdict I choose to accept!”

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” ~ Philippians 4:8-9. Are you thinking at length on something vastly different? The change the channel.

Should feeling and thoughts of fear and worry come to the door, have the Holy Spirit serve as a bouncer at your “club,” and remember: casting down as in the verse above means to slap it down forcefully.

Why waste time worrying over things about which you can do nothing? You cannot do anything about them. And why waste time worrying over things about which you can do something. You can do something about them, so get on with it!

If all around you seems a mess, yet for the first time in your life perhaps you stand there with a big smile on your face, maybe even singing a song of praise and worship to the one true God-- no, you haven’t “lost it.” No, indeed. You finally get it!

“I and mine are gonna be fine, I and mine are gonna be fine...”

One final thought: God made you special, and He loves you very much. So do we.

References (verses listed and those following): Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 5:5; 2 Timothy 1:2; Isaiah 53:1; John 10:18; Luke 8:7; John 14:1; Matthew 6:22; Matthew 13:33; Luke 21:34; Hebrews 6:10; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 2:14; Genesis 37:32; Proverbs 15:30; Romans 8:6; Numbers 13:30; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Acts 27:20; Luke 12:22; John 2:1

Deuteronomy 29:29; 2 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Peter 3:8; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 34:4