Don't worry

Don't worry

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

Live long enough in this world and you will encounter people overwhelmed with anxiety and worry. They seem to have no coping skills to deal with their situation.  They feel lost and helpless.  What most of us would call "life" with it's ups and downs, they view as a "life" with no hope and no peace.  While there are definitely cases where there are physical causes, most of the problem with worrying lies in our hearts, not our minds.  

Try this if you're skeptical.  Google the word "anxiety" and a thousand web sites will appear.  Google the word "worry" and a thousand more appear.  Isn't that crazy?  We live in a world where the majority of us have jobs, a home, running water, food on the table, and every amenity that is supposed to make us happy and carefree.  But, according to a 2011 article printed in USA Today, one in five adults is on behavioral medication.  That's at least 20 percent of our population on medicine for depression and/or anxiety.  

According to a 2011 Yahoo poll,the top three reasons people worry are:  Tomorrow/Future, Health and Money-Debt/Bills.  But what does God say about these?  Are these really legitimate causes for a Christian to worry?

Tomorrow/Future- "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.  Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?  Look at the birds.  They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your Heavenly Father feeds them.  And you are far more valuable to Him than they are.  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  Of course not.  And why worry about your clothes?  Look at the lilies and how they grow.  They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you?  You have so little faith! So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.  Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?  Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.  So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:25-34

Health-"This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

Money-Debt/Bills- "Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have.  For God has said, "I will never fail you.  I will never forsake you.""  Hebrews 13:5

Are you seeing a pattern here?  God is reminding us time after time that he will supply all our needs.  He will never forsake us if we make the Kingdom of God our primary concern.  That means putting Him first... His will and His desires. He tells us not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything.  Thank Him for all He has done for you and then present your requests to Him.   And stop worrying!!!  

Here I am with all I have, I raise my hands to worship you.  I wanna say thank you.-the Katinas

Heavenly Father, thank you for promising to provide for our needs.  We know that we have to live for you every day to claim this promise.  Fill us with your presence Lord and calm our hearts and minds.  May we forever rest in your peace, Amen.  

Happy Running!!