Our lesson by John Mulligan on Sunday was about “The Problem of Worry: How to react the right way to fearful situations.” The main message is taken from Matthew 6:25-34, that final notable verse being, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (And isn’t that the truth?)
The message to not worry is repeated through Scripture and, given our complex lives today, we need those reminders. We all have certain responsibilities that we need to manage, but the challenge is not to worry about them. For example, you might worry about having enough money to retire. You need to plan for that, certainly, but worrying about it won’t add a single cent to your IRA.
John talked about the psychological aspects of fear and pointed out that fear is the product of the thoughts we create -- fear itself is often not real. This fear of an imagined danger can result in anxiety and panic. A healthy fear is fine - a healthy fear of car crashes can make you a more careful driver. But an obsessive fear of that will send your mind into a tailspin, resulting in panic and bad decisions. The presence of Jesus in our lives will change the nature of our worries.
What do we do when we’re caught in worry’s net? If you’re preoccupied with lesser concerns, STOP and do something more important. Prayer will bring your focus back to what’s important. If you’re consumed by an imagined outcome, take real steps to control your body and mind -- breathe deeply, move, take a walk. Do your part about your concerns, but do not obsess about them. Jesus knows our struggles, and he will provide for the important things.
If you’re tempted to do wrong, turn to prayer and helpful people. When you need help, turn to counselors, therapists, and trusted friends. They are in your life for a reason. However, if you feel paralyzed by your emotions, that’s Satan pulling you down, wrapping you up in things you can’t control. That’s when we must cast all our cares upon our God: Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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