THE TWINS OF FEAR AND WORRY — SAY IT WITH JOY

We are all guilty of worrying about something or someone. As much as I would like to deny it, there have been times when I kept myself awake at night fretting over something that I could not control or change.

The dictionary defines worry as fretting, fearing, being anxious, overthinking, brooding, panicking, losing sleep, stressing, and entertaining tormenting thoughts. Fortunately, God has the remedy, if applied to our lives: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:6-7)

HOW TO AVOID WORRY:

1. Do not be anxious about anything.

2. In everything, pray.

3. Present your requests to God with thanksgiving.

THE BENEFITS FROM NOT WORRYING:

1. We will have peace that transcends all understanding

2. Our hearts and minds will be guarded in Christ Jesus.

How do we arrive at that place of not being anxious about anything? We begin by trusting and believing in the goodness of God. And how do we do that? We do not doubt His Word and His promises. Otherwise, a door is opened to our nemesis, “doubt,” which breeds fear, which then leads to worry.

The mind is where the enemy wages battles, and the heart is a reservoir that holds either God’s truths or the enemies lies. For that reason, we are told that above all else, we must guard our heart, for everything we do, think, and say flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). And how do we guard our heart? We fill it with the Word of God.

A very important component of overcoming worry is being thankful, regardless of the circumstances. Offering God thanks in a difficult situation is obedience to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Pay particular attention to that small, two-letter preposition “in.” The scripture tells us to be thankful in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, whether good or bad. In other words, we pray, “Lord, I don’t understand why this is happening, but I thank You that I am Yours, and I trust You to bring good from this.”

Unfortunately, “in” has been changed by many to read, “for.” You might question the importance of those seemingly inconsequential little words. However, God was, is, and will eternally be intentional in every Word that comes forth from His mouth. That is why He issued this warning: I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV). Each word is an expression of a truth that we believe and is a container that holds the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).

“In” is defined as a period of time during which an event takes place or is a stagnant situation. “For” means to be in support or in favor of something. Clearly, we do not favor nor support illness, accidents, or any other misfortune. However, if and when those things happen, God tells us not to be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make our requests known to Him.

Years ago, as a divorced mother of a two-year-old son, I had a full-time job in the art department of a large marketing company. Unfortunately, the 1973–1974 stock market crash brought about a recession, which in turn, caused the company to let 800 employees go the day before Thanksgiving. Rather than panic, I decided to be intentional in praising and trusting God in the midst of my sudden unemployment. The more I praised Him, the more I was filled with His peace. I believed and did not doubt that He had a plan for my life and would direct my steps.

Praise is a powerful tool against worry and fear. Praise awakens our spirit to the goodness of God and His sovereignty. There are approximately 250 commands in God’s Word to praise Him. Sometimes when I lack words to praise God, I go to the Psalms and personalize them.

“Lord, I praise You, for Your merciful kindness is great towards me and Your truth endures forever.” (Psalm 117:1-2)
“I praise You for Your mighty acts; I praise You according to Your excellent greatness.” (Psalm 150:2)
“I praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things for me.” (Isaiah 25:1)

It was not long after losing my job, that God opened doors to return to college on a full scholarship that included a work-study program, which guaranteed a wage. I also received a stipend for daycare. Not only did God provide for our every need, I was able to complete my degree with honors.

We must never forget that God is a good God. He loves us with a perfect love. That is why the command to “fear not” is repeated throughout His Word 365 times for each day of the year. For every day presents an opportunity to either entertain paralyzing worry, thus trapping us in a prison of anxiety, apprehension, and doubt, or, we can choose to praise God in the situation. Therefore, I personalized the following scriptures to be spoken when the enemy attacks your thoughts.

Thanks be to God! You give me victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57)
In all these things, I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. (Romans 8:37)
You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. (Psalm 3:3)
You are in our midst, the mighty One who will save; You will rejoice over me with gladness; You will quiet me by Your love; You will exalt over me with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Oh Lord, I cast my burden on You, and You sustain me; You will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
Even if I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
In all things You work for the good of those who love You and have been called according to Your purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Jesus left us with these life-affirming words of comfort to those who believe and do not doubt: Peace, I leave with you; My peace (mental calm, serenity, tranquility) I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid (John 14:27 ESV). If we adhere to this truth, we will walk a path alight with God’s peace and joy.

PRAYER: FATHER, teach me to speak life-affirming words into my life and the lives of others. May I carefully consider my words before I speak them, for they have power to build up or to tear down. Words have power to generate fear and worry or they can birth hope and peace. Remind me that when worry begins to invade my thoughts, that I must praise you in the midst of what is troubling me, because I know that You have the answer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Picture courtesy of mark-daynes-H-Fvcu6TfJo-unsplash