Overcoming Worry

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6, HCSB

DAVE STOOD AT THE MAILBOX and stared at the foreclosure notice that had finally arrived. To say he had been dreading this moment would be a huge understatement. Risky investments over the past few years had finally caught up with him, and now his family’s future was in serious jeopardy. He was paralyzed by fear and ashamed that he had allowed things to get this bad. He knew that he should be turning to God, but how could he expect God to bail him out of his bad decisions?

The Gospel of Matthew records an incident with Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee in which Jesus confronts their fear and lack of faith. Because of its location, storms often arise quickly on the Sea of Galilee. In the middle of one of these sudden storms, the disciples, fearing for their lives, panicked and ran to Jesus, exclaiming, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” Jesus, who had been asleep in the boat, said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:25-26, HCSB).

Like the disciples, we often worry. In the middle of a storm—even one that we brought upon ourselves—we must remember that God has not abandoned us. Even though we face consequences for our own choices, He is right there with us. What storms are you facing today? Are you trusting God to deliver you? Are you releasing your fears to your Savior?

BOTTOM LINE

Worry is fear of the unknown. It comes when we try to control what we can’t control. The antidote is to cast our worries upon the Lord and trust Him.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 6:34