“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Philippians 4:6 NLT.
Worry is a needless waste of life.
My thoughts and comments today are about “worry.”
When I awakened, I was aware that as I slept my mind had been actively but unsuccessfully trying to figure out situations that are presently of concern. The last couple of days have been unusually demanding, with matters still unresolved, duties and deadlines, and plans and consequential decisions ahead. Just a normal slice of life, really. I had not rested as well as I should have, because my thoughts were churning about solutions that I could not achieve. That’s tiring mentally, emotionally, physically, and often spiritually. That’s needless worry and wasted energy.
In 1988, the most unlikely song became popular, winning a Grammy as #1 pop song of the year; it was a song with a Jamaican sound, Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t worry; Be happy.” That’s good advice, though not always easy to do. The song was simple, even repetitive, but there was something about its happy rhythm and hope-filled message that captured hearts. Who wouldn’t like to be happy instead of worry?
What worried you a month ago? Can’t remember? Yet whatever occupied your time and thoughts wasted energy you could have used better elsewhere. What worries you right now? Anything you can do about that? Then do that, but if you cannot control or change what worries you, occupy your mental and emotional energy with something more productive.
A more beneficial question may be, “Why am I worried?” Jesus had a lot to say about worry, “So I tell you, don’t worry about every day life . . can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” See Matthew 6:25/27. That’s great advice and very rational. Worry is a needless waste of life. Unfortunately, telling yourself or another not to worry doesn’t work very well, does it? So Jesus gives you the reason that all worry is wasted. “Your Heavenly Father already knows your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow.” Matthew 6:32-34 NLT.
Worry results from allowing tomorrow’s concerns to crowd out your primary concern today – living for God and keeping His Kingdom first. God will take care of your tomorrows, as He does every day. “Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.” William R. Inge. What’s the rush?
Worry changes nothing for the better; prayer changes anything! Worried people feel they have to “do something,” even it doesn’t work! Then pray; that works. Here’s what God says you can do about worry, and it does work! “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice . . Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4/6-7 NLT. Don’t worry; pray! Whatever worries you, put it in God’s hands and rest awhile. See Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT.
My prayer for you today is: direct your energy profitably; never waste it worrying.