What a Waste! (April 17, 2023)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

In terms of personality types, many of us could be categorized as worriers. Looking back over my life and considering the frequency with which I have engaged in the futility of worry without any benefit, I have to think, “What a waste!” Worry—defined as a state of anxiety or uncertainty over actual or potential problems—is worthless! We all have many legitimate personal concerns that prompt us to worry about our loved ones, our health, our jobs, our finances, our personal safety (especially in today’s lawless society), and countless other circumstances.

However, these anxieties can hinder our spiritual development as Christians and damage our personal testimony. Worry is rooted in fear that conflicts with who we are as children of God. By faith in Jesus Christ, we’ve placed our lives and destinies in the hands of a faithful, all-powerful God Who has promised to never leave nor forsake us, to give us strength and wisdom, and to bless our obedience. Scriptural truth tells us that worry is not of divine origin: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)  

Worry, fear, and doubt are tools of deception Satan uses to rob us of our joy and draw us away from the peaceful refuge and safe haven of God’s grace. Most of what we worry about happens anyway. Faith conquers fear! So let’s ask God to purge our minds of anxiety and fill our hearts with greater “faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of which is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Fear breeds worry that is incompatible with our love for God and each other that should distinguish Christians from the world. Cast your cares upon the One who cares for you!

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)