Worry Is Wearisome

Worry is wearisome. It is fatigue to our emotions like physical pain is to our bodies. Worry can trigger stomachaches, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety disorders and depression. It is an enemy to a joy filled and productive life. Worry can so weigh you down that you are immobilized by lack of energy and fear.

Your family tree may have borne the fruit of worry over generations, but you can purge obsession with negative thinking through trust in the Lord. Jesus’ teaching is very clear, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34). Exercised trust energizes the weary.

Your personality may lend itself to worry. You can see it in your furrowed brow, or brooding countenance. You worry about the economy and its effect on your retirement. You wring your hands over the war and wonder when it will ever end. You are stressed out over work, because of situations and people you are unable to change. Anxiety may have paralyzed you as a parent, because you don’t feel qualified to carry out your responsibilities.

Alcohol has become your outlet for those things you cannot control, but the gnawing fear is still there the next day. One simple solution is to make a two-column prayer list with the headings ‘Things I can’t change’ and ‘Things I can change’. Ask God for faith and patience with the former and wisdom and courage to act on the latter. Prayer is your time-tested prescription for worry:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).”

Furthermore, look for those who long to be encouraged, who feel trapped by the anxieties of life (Luke 21:34). They need the truth of God’s word, because the cares of this world try to marginalize the truth. Truth can be forgotten in the fearful suffering of severe trials. Your kind words remind them of Christ’s care and concern for their health, family and their faith.

Lift yourself and others out of the downward spiral of depression by cheering them up with truth. Read the Bible out loud with a friend and meditate on its promises that are filled with hope and encouragement. Use uncertainty as a reason not to worry, but rest in the Lord. You are freed up when you don’t fret, but apply faith instead. Above all else, His word wins over worry and provides strength for your faith journey!

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Prayer: What promise from the Lord can I rest in and trust to overcome my chronic worry?

Related Readings: Luke 1:37; 5:1; 11:28; Acts 13:7; Ephesians 6:17

Post/Tweet this today: Lift others out of their downward spiral of suffering with your comfort and truth. #worry #wisdomhunters

Check out Boyd’s new book: Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs (replaces current Proverb book with 50% newer content) to be released August 1st by Harvest House Publishers. Preorder on Amazon.

Additional Resource: 6 minute music video- Bethel: Make Me Brave

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