Don't Worry!

James, the brother of Jesus (how’d you like to fill those shoes?!), said to confess our faults one to another.  Here’s one of mine.  I have had to battle worry and anxiety my whole life.  I know it’s not God’s will for me, and I know it because Jesus said it himself. 

But I sometimes lay in bed or awake in the middle of the night and just start worrying about something, and often something stupid.  Does my son need new shoes?  Did I plug in my iPad?  Is the University of Dayton going to win the national championship? (Spoiler alert: they would have.) Now throw a global pandemic in the mix and forget about it!

But worry can be just as deadly as any virus, illness or disease.  The Good News is that God has all of those things covered through the finished work of Jesus Christ!  Any sickness, illness, disease; nothing surprises or is too big for our God.  Including worry.  I think it’s why the Bible has so much to say on the subject of not worrying and trusting God.  Here’s one of my go-tos:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

I’ve learned that my contentment and peace hinges on my prayer life and how much I am in His Word.  It’s like medicine and the very best kind.  It soothes the soul and comforts my overactive, hyperdrive mind.  When life gets overwhelming, I know I can hit the pause button, pray to my Heavenly Father, and He will always graciously give me His supernatural peace. 

 One of the coolest things about the Word of God is that it’s also incredibly practical.  The Apostle Paul goes on to give some great advice that we could use right about now amidst all the bad news, darkness, and fear permeating our TVs and social media feeds. He says:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

If Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC are giving you hourly heart attacks, unplug for a bit.  Read a really good book.  Find a fun movie.  Look for those pockets of peace in your life that you are grateful for and live in those moments.  Find what’s true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and fill your soul with those things. 

Most of all, fix your eyes on Jesus.  He is our Hope, now and forever.

Pray.  Get into the Word.  It really is like medicine and the very best kind.

Tyler Trent