DON’T WORRY IS A COMMAND

Worry is the mental distress or agitation resulting from concern. We all have "good" reasons to worry about one thing or the other. We worry when we're sick, jobless, etc., or unsure about outcomes or undesirable or unacceptable results. We like to feel in control and often worry when we think we don't have that control.

Worry is a natural response, but the children of the Most High God are spiritual and, therefore, should respond as God directs: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done" (Philippians 4:6). Doing this brings an accompanying promise: "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (v 7).

God knows the devastations of worry, including insomnia and poor physical, emotional, and mental health, so He promises us peace. What a mighty God we have! The above verse is not a good suggestion; it is a command to be obeyed. Worrying for a Christian, therefore, is a lack of trust and intentional disobedience that robs the child of God of the peace Jesus promised us: "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give" (John 14:27).

What is your concern today, and should you worry about it? Whatever your situation, do you think God is happy about your choice to worry? (See Romans 8:28). So, don't worry! Maybe your prayers appear ignored or not that important to God. Remember that God's response to your unresolved issue, no matter what it is, is based on His love and plans for you. He could be saying: okay/now, okay/later, or never; regardless, that response will be the best for you in your circumstance and will bring Him glory.

Jesus teaches that worry is evidence of very little faith (see Matthew 6:30). Is that you? The reason God's children shouldn't worry is quite apparent--since He cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, for whom He didn't die, He definitely will care for us, His children. God knows us so well that He knows how we think or feel at any given time and in every situation. Hence, He provides us solutions before we ever need them. In other words, the answer to our needs and concerns is to entrust them to God in prayer and then claim the accompanying promise of His peace.

Dear brother or sister, let's not forget Philippians 4:6; living by it will spare us much pain, frustration, and poor health. May God help us encourage each other to live worry-free lives because God is more significant than our problems and cares more about us than we can ever understand. We will keep His command if we love Him: "Don't worry!"