By Chris WittsTuesday 26 Mar 2024Morning Devotions with Chris WittsDevotionsReading Time: 1 minute
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Transcript:
There’s no doubt that we live in a worry drenched society. So many of us live in the presence of worry and anxiety each day.
It’s become an epidemic – are you an excessive worrier? When worrying becomes excessive, it can lead to anxiety, panic and even cause illness. When worried or anxious, your mind and body go into a state of ‘fight or flight’ as you constantly focus on “what could happen.” Chronic worrying (often referred to as anxiety) can affect your daily life so much that it interferes with your work, appetite, relationships, sleep and reduces your overall quality of life.
Many people who suffer from anxiety get caught in the cycle of addiction in an unconscious attempt to control their inner turmoil. But where is it coming from? They may over-eat, smoke, drink or take drugs in an attempt to get some relief. In extreme cases, when worrying and anxiety go untreated, they can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
Someone said “worry is a small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind until it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained”. I like that definition. Worry can take over all your rational thoughts.
“But did you know there is a loving God who watches over you all the time?”
The good people from Wesley Mission say “Anxiety is a persistent feeling of heightened fear. Up to one in four Australians suffer from an anxiety disorder or panic attacks at some stage in their life”. So persistent worry and anxiety is a very common problem. At its worst, anxiety is a crippling disease, taking over our minds and plunging our thoughts into darkness. And that can be a dangerous place. Maybe you know what that means. But I think we can get a new perspective on this troublesome topic. Worry. And believe me – worry really doesn’t work.
In the movie The Truman Show, Truman Burbank played by Jim Carrey believes his life is no different from anyone else’s—until he begins to notice peculiar things happening, like instances that repeat every day. Then he gets suspicious that something strange is going on. What he doesn’t realize is that every second of his life from the day he was born has been telecast live to the entire planet.
He is the star of The Truman Show, the most popular television show in the world, which broadcasts every aspect of his life around the clock. From the moment he wakes up until he goes to bed at night, the world eavesdrops on Truman’s life through the aid of five thousand hidden cameras. Finally Truman comes to the life-changing realization that an unseen audience is watching his every move. A good movie.
But did you know there is a loving God who watches over you all the time? We have the creator God who knows everything about you and how you’re feeling. Although we can’t see him, he is watching everything we do – 24/7. Hebrews 4:13 tells us, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Seek God. He Knows.
Jesus teaches us that no matter the issue we are facing, God knows. We serve an all-knowing, all-caring God who is intimately invested in our lives and knows what we need – even before we do. Are you worried about your job or about an evaluation coming up? God knows. Seek Him.
Are you worried about a medical test coming up or a surgery that you must have? God knows. Seek Him. Are you worried about the safety of your children or grandchildren? God knows. Seek Him.
No matter what issue we face or think is above God’s notice or God’s power, we are simply wrong. He knows our situations and asks us to seek Him in faith in the midst of such trying circumstances and emotions. God’s way of faith and provision is best.
Psalm 139:23-24 reminds us, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
“God will provide for what we need, one day at a time – let God worry about how things work out.”
Worry takes away so much from our life. Jesus says in Luke 12 verses 25-26, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Worrying doesn’t increase your height or improve your reputation in the community – and certainly doesn’t extend the number of days you have on this earth.
Jesus was talking to a crowd of people who were worried about many things. He was trying to show them a better way – the Kingdom principle of following His rules for life – trusting in a Heavenly Father who knows what is best even in the bad times.
Destructive worry can paralyse us – we get overwhelmed by circumstances surrounding us. We feel hopeless and helpless. But look up – learn about God’s loving character and trust in His promises as we read in the Bible. We can absolutely trust in God’s promises to guide us.
And one of those special promises is in Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. That means you can trust your whole life into His hands. Take each day as it comes. His grace is there for you each second – even when life turns out to be nasty and difficult. God is still working everything for good. He is in control, doing a work in your life you may not understand.
Worrying doesn’t accomplish anything. It is futile and frustrating. God doesn’t want wish for us to spend our days worrying; it won’t make us live longer, or better, or smarter. No. Worry will only rob us of our joy, peace and our contentment.
He will provide for what we need, one day at a time – so you are free to enjoy life, live each day to the fullest – and let God worry about how things work out.