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Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers
ask God for what you need, always asking him, with a thankful
heart.
And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding,
I will keep your hearts and minds safe, in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7.
Worry may well be the most common ailment from which people
suffer. Everybody has problems and nearly everybody worries
about them. It is claimed that women are the greater worriers
because they are more sensitive, more aware of the responsibilities
of life; more in touch with life's realities and tragedies.
The responses of men and women to what effects them deeply
are different, for women are more likely to express their
emotions in what hurts them. But the feelings, apparently
controlled by men can often hide as deep a grief.
The Bible has much to say about worry and the faithlessness
and futility of it. The evidence of that is in the many Biblical
references in the words and experiences of people who found
it to be unnecessary and unprofitable. Among them is the advice
of the psalmist in Psalm 37 with its often repeated "fret
not;" and Jesus Himself in Matthew 6 with his exhortation,
"Take no thought," "don't be anxious,"
"don't worry."
There is the recognition everywhere in the Scriptures that
worry is rooted in dread of what might happen to oneself,
one's family and friends; one's property, possessions and
prospects in life. Worry is seen as not just concern for the
future and what it may hold for us it is the distress of mind
which comes from a lively imaginings of what it could bring
us. And worries come not only about the future but, from fretting
over past mistakes, and mourning over plans which went unfulfilled.
There is the worry from pride, self-consciousness and annoyance
over mistakes, indiscretions and misunderstanding that have
not been possible to redress. To keep them in mind, except
to determine not to repeat them, is a waste of thought and
a barrier to mental progress.
Because self-interest is the cause of many of our worries
we need to keep reminding ourselves that our lives are for
sharing with others. We are living really when how we live
is affected by our relationships with them. Christians are
encouraged to see life in these relationships with other people
and in our dependence on God for the quality and values of
our lives to him and to them. We are to be disciplined and
controlled by our commitment to Jesus Christ and by our trust
in him for the everyday things of life. We are required to
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The Psalmist
tells us "Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will
support you. (55:21). Elsewhere there is that refrain, "Take
your troubles to the Lord and leave them there." (cp
Pss 37 and 1 Peter 5:7). Joseph Scriven the Banbridge born
hymnist put this thought into singable words in his much used:
"What a friend we have in Jesus.
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Every thing to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Every thing to God in prayer."
Charles F. Deems echoed that sentiment:
The world is wide
In time and tide.
And God is quick;
Then do not hurry.
That man is blest,
Who does his best,
And leaves the rest;
Then do not worry.
The 'rules' for christian living are here in Philippians
4:6,7.
First: "Don't worry because it is unnecessary, and ineffective
in producing desired results or avoiding experiences which
should be faced with a clear mind.
Second: "Be thankful" for everything that brings
us benefits or just a simple satisfaction with how we are
and with the opportunities for living happily and usefully
where we are. When we grumble and grouse at people and things
an old Irish saying to the able bodied reminds us of how well
off we are, "Get down on your knees and thank God you
are on your feet." Christianity is the religion of Joy
and Gladness in a world often debased by sorrow and sadness.
It recognises the realities of life with the good news that
in spite of everything we can overcome even the most adverse
circumstances by our trust in God and with the conviction
that "all things work together for good to them that
love God.." (Romans 8:28)
"Be thankful" count your blessings.
Third: "Pray about everything." There is this advice,
"If a thing is big enough to concern you; it is not too
small for him, because he has set you in his heart."
"Don't worry" the cure for that condition of unease
and uncertainty is "to do your best and leave the rest
to God." The Psalmist said, "Trust in the Lord,
and do good, so you will dwell in the land and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires
of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him,
and He will act." (Psalm 37:3-5 RSV)
Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long
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