Worry, Fear and Faith
I know it is not faithful to worry. When I worry I am not trusting God, I am just jumping off that treacherous cliff of ‘what if…’
The following passage was shared with me by a friend who found it profound for her life. She also knows she should not worry – but this helped her see how the worry changed her, reduced and minimized her:
“When we are anxious, when we worry, we tend to see threats everywhere. We see scarcity rather than abundance. Our vision narrows, and we see only what worries us, rather than the whole picture. Anxious people look for someone to blame. Other people (and sometimes even our own selves) are seen as enemies – not people to treat with gentleness, patience, forbearance, moderation, etc.” (from the April 2016 magazine Gather Bible Study “Keep on Keepin on” by Phyllis Kersten and E. Louise Williams.)
If you search the Bible, you will find hundreds of references where God is reassuring his people from being afraid. Jesus repeatedly reminds his followers, “Do not fear” and “Peace be with you.” Why do you think that is? Maybe because God knows we need to be reminded again and again. Don’t be afraid. Do not worry.
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. Phil 4: 4-7
Why is this such a big deal to God? Because when we are wrapped up in our fear, we cannot see the blessings and opportunities that are before us. It is as if the world changes colors and starts spinning – we can even get paranoid and angry with worry and fear. Our prayers become rambling, fervent lists of petitions. Yet when we are always talking – how are we able to hear God?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30
Lay down your burdens – not as easy as it sounds, is it? We may lay them down after we have run out of our own ideas of what to do with them. But then we get another idea for solving the problem and we take that worry right back again. God calls us to let them fall away. Let go of your worry. It does not mean you no longer care – it means you learn to trust. You still do your part – but you trust God with the rest.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
LORD, Show me your ways. Teach me your words. Give me strength and courage for this journey. Give me your love and patience and compassion. Make me more like you. Amen.