Avoid the Thievery of Worry (September 21, 2023)

“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)

Sometimes it is fascinating to observe the facial expressions of people as they go about the business of their everyday lives. The countenance of one’s face is often an accurate indicator of a person’s mood, emotional state, and even character. As Christians, our faces should be aglow with joyfulness that reflects the presence of Jesus Christ in our hearts and the eternal hope of salvation that is the result of a faith-based personal relationship with the LORD. Much too often, however, even among believers, the look on our faces reveals an underlying tension or unease that is the manifestation of worry and fear that can inundate our faith if not kept in check by humble dependence upon God’s power rather than our own strength.

“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)

Worry is a greedy thief who can steal the peace that Jesus gave His life to secure for everyone who will accept by faith God’s saving grace and His free gift of everlasting life. Someone more insightful than I once said, “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” Worry can become a wasteful, destructive practice that Satan encourages to hinder our spiritual growth. As children of God, however, we share in the victory over evil and the conquest of the world that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection made possible. In Christ, even in our hardships and trials, we are freed from worry, liberated from anxiety, and enabled to rest in the power of the mighty Savior whose perfect love overcomes every nagging fear!

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)