Worry is one of the greatest problems in the life of many Christians. It takes away their peace, it destroys their joy, and it hinders their ministry. Yet many spend more time worrying than finding God’s solution to it. Worry harms us, swallows up our time and energy, and yet accomplishes nothing.
So what is the solution to worry?
1. Think about God (Matthew 6)
Our first priority must always be to know and understand the nature and attributes of God. Then, on the basis of that understanding, get to know Him better. We need to lift our eyes and our thoughts off ourselves and our circumstances and focus them instead on God. This is exactly what the Lord Jesus tells us to do in Matthew 6 when He speaks to His disciples about worry. He commands them not to worry in verses 25, 31 and 34. But that is not all He does. He gives them two reasons why they should not worry.
First, in verses 26 and 32, He wants them to see the great truth that God is their Heavenly Father. Their Heavenly Father knows their needs and cares for them. He will always do what is best for them. Why should they worry about anything? Second, in verses 26 and 30 He wants them to see the power and sovereignty of God. He feeds the birds and clothes the grass. He not only knows and cares, He has the power and ability to look after them and their needs. He is the powerful God and King.
2. Talk to God (Philippians 4:6/7)
Paul deals with the subject of worry in his letter to the Philippians:
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.1
First, Paul tells us not to worry about anything. Secondly, he tells us we should talk to God in prayer, verbalising our particular needs and problems to God, asking for His help, guidance and peace. This should all be done with thanksgiving. Look for something to thank God for in all situations. Lastly, Paul tells us that if we talk to God in this way we will experience the peace of God. The problem may not be gone but we will have peace in the midst of the problem, and the strength to deal with it, instead of worrying about it.
3. Throw it onto God (1 Peter 5:7)
These words sound rather strange. But this is exactly what Peter exhorts us to do about worry and how to deal with it. He writes: ‘casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.’2 Who is invited to cast? Every Christian, not a select few. What are we invited to cast? All of our cares, not just part of them. Where are we invited to cast them? Upon God, who is the only One able to carry them, change them or give the strength to bear them. Why are we invited to cast them? Because He cares. He cares lovingly for you. How are we invited to cast them? Literally throw them, once and for all, onto the Lord by a definite act of the will and leave them there.
1. ESV.
2. 1 Peter 5:7, ESV.
