It is easy and natural to worry. We can worry about our family, our jobs, our children’s performance in school or extra-curricular activities. We can worry about our favorite sports teams winning or losing. We can worry about what we will be doing next week. Many people worry about their finances. There are lots of reasons for which we can allow ourselves to worry.
But what does God have to say about worry? Actually, He has a lot to say. One such verse to explore is short and to the point.
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I do want to make a point that there is a difference between “worry” about something and taking action to address a situation that needs you to do something. I need not “worry” about my future finances when I walk with Jehovah, but He expects me to plan wisely, consistent with His word, and to exercise self control and manage my affairs well. Let us be careful to avoid the mistake of saying “not to worry” means we ignore the situation. This would be wrong and lead to many troubles.
Let us not overlook, however, that the scripture does not just say “don’t worry”. It also combines that with direction to let our requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. We should take our worries to our loving Father in prayer and supplication and with a thankful heart. We can trust Him. Whether He answers “yes” or “no” to any specific request, He knows what is good for us. He is our provider.
“Rejoicing always” sounds tough for most of us… but just because it is different than what we expect, does not mean that it is wrong. Often, what we have become accustomed to is wrong and we need to seek God’s way in the Bible and change our ways. Paul was more than just talk on “rejoice always”. He rejoiced even under persecution such as when he was beaten and put in prison. He rejoiced in the sovereignty and love of the Lord Jesus!
Be thankful for what we have in Christ and what He has already provided us even as we come before Yahweh to ask for our needs or requests. Seek contentment rather than coveting what others have.
When we focus on what is good, honorable, right, pure, lovely… we can truly learn, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be anxious for nothing.
I leave you with a common expression you may have heard before for consideration and reflection.
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”
Do you know who said this first? It was Jesus, as documented in Matthew 6:27.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you.
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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .