Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25

Rob was one of those guys who seem to have it all together. He was successful and well liked. But the worry lines on his forehead were like furrows in a freshly plowed field. When he came to my office, he seemed tense, even jumpy.

“I’ve got fifty things that are bothering me,” he said.

“Okay, let’s start with number one,” I said.

He pulled out a list. “Number one: My thirteen-year-old wants to join the military and fight in a war when he turns eighteen. Two: The stock market is so unpredictable that I may not be able to retire in twenty years like I planned. Three: Insurance premiums keep going up. Four: Same with my taxes. Five: My blood pressure is probably too high. Am I at risk for a heart attack or stroke?”

As Rob continued to read his list, his shoulders slumped as if he had the proverbial albatross around his neck. When he got to number twelve, I stopped him. Most of the things hadn’t even happened and maybe never would.

“Rob, let’s put your list away.”

“But, why? I’m worried that—”

“I can make you a list of my own,” I said. One: Your son doesn’t even know yet who he wants to take to the middle school dance. Two: The stock market always goes up and down, but over the long term, it always goes up. Three: Taxes and insurance will always go up. Should I continue?”

“No,” he said, shaking his head.

“Let’s focus instead on things that you can directly affect. For example, despite your list, your blood pressure is still normal at 130/80, so great job on that!”

“Thanks. You have any more great news?”

“I can help you lose fifty pounds, and you won’t even feel it.”

“Fifty pounds? How would I do that?”

“Hand me your list.”

When he handed me the paper, I tore it into pieces and threw it away. “See, don’t you feel lighter already? If you take care of what you can take care of, God will take care of the rest.” When Rob left, I knew I’d done my job. A few of the worry lines had been replaced with smile lines.

TODAY’S RX

Trust God and live today by faith, moment by moment. Let God worry about tomorrow.

God, when I’m anxious and worried, help me to remember the promise you give in Jeremiah 29:11—that you have plans to prosper me, not to harm me; plans for hope and a bright future. Thank you, Lord, for faithfully providing for me.