Why do we worry? We typically don’t find ourselves feeling anxious or worrying that things will go well. We worry when we are confronted by a challenging situation whose outcome is either uncertain or likely unpleasant, which is why we need to read Scripture about worry.

Being out of control leaves us grasping for what we want. We are eager to find some way to ensure that the outcome of a date, job interview, tax assessment, operation, or financial decision works out in our favor. Even when we can’t control the situation through any action we can take, we do what feels natural – worry and ruminate.

The Bible and worry.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Bible has a lot to say about worry. For one thing, the people we encounter in the pages of Scripture were just as eager as we are to have healthy, productive lives, and for loved ones to be happy and safe.

The Bible addresses the many ways people sought to deal with the stresses and uncertainties of life, and among them is worrying. But why is worry something that we shouldn’t do in our lives?

Consider one of the many passages in Scripture about worry.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well’ – Luke 12:22-26, 29-31, NIV

Jesus addresses His disciples about the things of daily life that can trigger worry – our sustenance and provision for daily needs. He gives several reasons why we shouldn’t worry, including the following:

  • Your life consists of more than what you eat or wear.
  • Your dignity and worth as a person made in God’s image are not rooted in having or lacking things.
  • God cares for you.
  • God already knows your needs, so trust Him to meet them.
  • Worry doesn’t add to your quality of life, and it can damage your health.
  • Worry can divert your attention from pursuing God’s purposes for His kingdom.
  • Prioritizing food and drink to the detriment of a Kingdom focus is what people who don’t believe in God do because they don’t have an eternal perspective.

Scripture about worry and finding peace.

Jesus wants His followers to overcome worry and find peace. Trusting God frees the disciple of Jesus to focus on the tasks God has in store for them (Ephesians 2:10), instead of being mired in worry about needs that God will meet.

Jesus asks us to look at nature and see how abundantly God provides. This isn’t a call to be lazy and not work, but it is a reminder to live faithfully and trust God with the outcome.

If you find yourself struggling with worry, and if worry begins to derail your daily life, you should speak with a Christian counselor to explore the situation. They can help you learn how to cope and find ways of doing life without worry overwhelming you.

Photos:
“Contemplation”, Courtesy of Victoria Romulo, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License; “Standing by the Water”, Courtesy of Ryan Moreno, Unsplash.com, CC0 License