Something we possibly all do at one point or another and to varying degrees, there is so much to worry about in our modern day lives. Will I have a job tomorrow? Is World War 3 close? Will I find a partner? Some worries you could say are more legitimate than others - will I have something to eat tomorrow seems to weigh in over things like will I ever afford a holiday home.
As a parent, you worry about your children – it feels as though there are so many risks they will be presented with on a daily basis, how can one not worry? But to worry is a sin.
In the deep end
We recently experienced an event which in through no fault of our own, were threatened with legal action - in which I found it difficult not to worry. This worry caused quite a bit of anxiety, even after seeking legal advice as unfortunately, laws can be manipulated against you - regardless as to whether you are in the right or not.
Fortunately, nothing resulted in the end and it turned out to be empty threats but it was good to reflect on our worry. Don’t take me wrong – we prayed for God's protection over us and believed he would keep us safe and regardless of whatever happens, God is with us – and he was.
Even so, I found until the weight of the situation had passed, it was difficult not to worry. Having suffered from anxiety from time to time, including this time, it was occurring at a sub-conscious level and I found it hard to overcome. Even with the understanding that everything we have is Gods anyhow, I would much rather spend our hard earned dollars on something more constructive than legal fees.
So on hindsight, I have to ask myself – why did I worry? Did I not trust God enough? I don’t think so as I have learned to trust God to always see me through, even when things don’t turn out in my eyes, he has been in control.
I honestly think it is just easy to forget not to worry – it takes an active mind against it to keep it at bay and to reinforce with yourself the correct perspective. Modern Society plants seeds of worry all around us from media outlets, targeted advertising – telling you you are not complete, beautiful, protected etc. without a certain product or service, not to mention the stresses of everyday life – we live in a busy and complex society with lots to loose if things turn sour.
What can we do?
The first thing which God reminds me when I pray about such things, is to seek his word - and so I did. I was quickly reminded after doing do, the message is really reinforced throughout the bible to not worry.
The first scripture which stood out to me was the following verse;
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer's feet, and he will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk chapter 3, verses 17 to 19)
Another which stood out are the verses on dealing with today and letting tomorrow have its own worries. Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew chapter 6, verse 34).
Today I was over an hour late to getting home from work – and I worried what my wife would say when I got home as I had told her I was going to be home much earlier. I decided no, I will not speed to save maybe 30 seconds, so I prayed that if she was unhappy that God would minister to her heart and let her see reason – that sometimes things are out of our control. When I got home, after a quick explanation, all was well. I was going to worry for nothing!
Start walking
Being able to walk the walk not just talk the talk is a real challenge. I know God honours those who truly seek him, follow Jesus example and ask for forgiveness, so it’s best to just confess I have a problem with worry – no doubt the root cause of the anxiety I have gone through from time to time.
So while I don’t have an absolute answer right now as to how you could stop worrying, if you worry a lot as I do and recognise that it is not productive in your life, then I ask you to join me in starting a diary of times when you worried.
Let’s pray about it, write the problem and outcome into the book.
I am sure we will see him pull through for us and we will also have a record to boost our faith in the times we are tempted to doubt God. Turn your worries into conversation with God. Be realistic - the answer to every worry would not be immediate but at least have the faith of a mustard seed and let’s see where it goes.
Michael Dahlenburg is an electronics engineer currently working in the ATM industry. He is non-denominational and has previously been involved in church plants and assisting those in ministry. His interests include; enjoying family, home DIY, gardening, most things tech-related and driving his wife crazy with a constant stream of inventions! You can view his blog site here: www.mickdahl.weebly.com
He lives with his wife Michelle and three children in God’s own land of Southern Adelaide, Australia.
Michael Dahlenburg’s previous articles may be viewed at
http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/michael-dahlenburg.html