Reason #4 – Because He said to!
In Philippians 4:6 Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing.” Simple as that. I know what you’re thinking: But…But…But…. I know because it is the same response I often have. However, the word "nothing" is pretty all encompassing. The more I have worked to keep this verse in the forefront of my mind, the more frequently I have heard the Lord say, “Jenny…I said worry about nothing.” “But, Lord…” “I said nothing.”
I have found that somewhere along the line I, we, our society has equated worry with caring; when in fact the Bible equates worry with sinning! The fact is worry is a sign of - 1. Pride…thinking that if I try hard enough or work hard enough I can somehow fix this issue, and 2. A lack of faith…not recognizing God as capable of handling the situation (far better than I ever could, I might add). Now, I am still working with this one every day, and as a mother I have to work on it even more than ever before in my life. But the fact is, we serve an all-knowing, all-loving God who wants good things for us and is going to work things out for our best, even if that means going through some hard times along the way.
In addition to all of this, this command not to worry comes with instructions and has an incredible promise attached to it. I love the way the Amplified Bible puts this scripture:
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
So, we give Him our worries, and He gives us His peace. Pretty good trade, huh? So the next time you feel the ugliness of worry threatening to overtake you, quote this verse out loud. Say, “Ok, Lord.” Thank Him for all He is and all He’s done in your life, and tell Him exactly what is on your heart. Then leave it there. As humans this is not always easy, but if we can wrap our minds around the fact that we don’t actually have any control anyway, but we serve the One who is Lord over all, this will become increasingly easier. And as it does our quality of life will also improve. I guarantee it! So relax! Regardless of what you’ve come to believe, worry is not your obligation!
