Did you know that the English term for worry comes from an old German word meaning to struggle or to choke?
That sounds super appealing.
And yet, I could easily be labled a worrier. There is so much content to work with: the state of the country, Syria, North Korea, baby prep, finishing a manuscript, labor and delivery, saving for the future, the health of family members… and on and on.
We are good at worrying. Stop for one second, could you write at least one thing down that you are currently worried about? How about five?
Does worrying actually accomplish anything?
The average person’s worry will be spent on-
40% on things that will never happen
30% on things about the past that can never be changed
12% on criticism from others
10% on health
8% about real problems that will actually be faced
I know I shouldn’t worry! I know the Bible says not to. But sometimes I feel SO PRODUCTIVE. I love my lists – I’ve always made worry lists.
So what’s the big problem with worry? Worry is admitting or uncovering that I can’t trust the Lord enough to believe that He has everything under control, that my life doesn’t surprise him!
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians his overarching point is to remind them to be like-minded by having the same attitude as Christ – striving forward – taking hold of what has already been attained for us. Chapter 4 is where I want to camp for a little while.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:1-7, NIV)
Euodia and Syndeche are fighting – these leaders of the church – obviously not being of the same love and purpose. So Paul asks others to step in. Rejoice! Be gentle with how you handle this situation and don’t be anxious. Turn your requests to the Lord. (For me, any type of confrontation is cause for worry!)
ANXIOUS: extreme uneasiness of mind-brooding fear.
This use of ANXIOUS in this passage is the same greek word used by Jesus in Matthew chapter 6 when he commands “Do Not Worry”. MER-IM-NAH-O.
This is a clear command – and yet since it was not written on stone like some others, we often disregard it. Jesus desires this to be a law written on our hearts, transforming us into people who trust Him enough to obey him even when we can’t see what the end result might be. The struggle to give this up is huge for me!
Why do we worry? It’s all about control!
How do we try and deal with it?
- Medicate
- Ignore/distract ourselves
- Over control the situation
But what are some biblical solutions to this challenge?
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. (Romans 8:26-30, MSG)
He has a plan and purpose for our lives. Let your gentleness be evident to all – the Lord is NEAR! Paul is communicating what Christ wanted us to get all along. Worry denies God’s strength, sovereignty, and presence in our everyday lives.
- Remind yourself that HE IS NEAR!
- He loves you and longs for the very best for you. Whose are you?
- Hide His word in your heart. Take every thought captive.
- Pray, Pray, Pray.
And the peace of God – not necessarily the immediate answer you desire, but the peace of God will flood your hearts and mind.
Following and learning,
Ginger
