Thought for Wednesday, November 14th

November 14, 2012

Why Worry

“It is not work that kills men; it is worry.”

-       Henry Ward Beecher

   Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:27

If worrying were to become an Olympic sport: I think I have known many who could be contenders for gold medals.

As Christians, though, this should be an event that we would not even be able to qualify for.

Scripture tells us:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

We are children of the creator of all things created.  Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  Our God is all powerful and all knowing and He has promised to not only have our backs, but our front and both sides as well – so what have we got to worry about.

Here are a couple of good rules to follow when it comes to this issue of worry:

“Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff.” – Robert Elliot

And if that doesn’t work for you here is something that should:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

Worrying will not solve your problems, ease your pain or make things better – but God can and will if you will only give Him the opportunity to do so.

Today’s Prayer

Father, when it comes to my cares and worries, may I learn to lean on you and give them all to you, knowing you’ve got it covered much better than I ever could.

“There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a Spirit, who brings a fire

Ignites a candle and makes His home.

Frustrated brother see how he’s tired to

light his own candle some other way.

See now your sister she’s been robbed and lied to

Still holds a candle without a flame.

So carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn.

Hold out your candle for all to see it,

Take your candle, go light your world.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Go Light Your World’ by Chris Rice