"Worry"

  Jesus said the words: "Do not be worried about..." (Matt. 6:25). "Why are you worried about..." (Matt. 6:28). "Do not worry then..." (Matt. 6:31) The apostle Paul with all the difficulties in his personal life penned these words: "Be anxious for nothing..." (Phil. 4:6) The apostle Peter penned these words for the saint: "Casting all your anxiety on Him..." (I Pet. 5:7).

  Worries, frets, anxieties work on our lives, in our lives. People seem to have bouts with anxiety attacks and the worries seem to bury some. The world around us tells us this is normal and provides answers that do not come from the Lord. Jesus, facing a world of hatred and a cross to bear for all, said not to worry. Paul, treated as a common criminal, said to be anxious for nothing. Peter said we need to respond properly when we are anxious. In all this, are we being called to do something that is impossible? Is this just a cruel teaching that mocks us in times of distress?

  Where we go wrong is what we seek. The solution to worry and fears is always found in seeking Jesus first and foremost. Putting God in His proper place in our lives is what the Lord is looking for in our faith. When anxious times hit, we have a choice: seek the anxiety and fear that burdens us or seek the Lord and listen to Him to relieve. It's rather simple yet so difficult. Too many times we put the problem we face in first place and there seems to be no answer. It's time to start working on our faith, reaching to the Lord for His promises and answers when we are faced with adversities. What will we find? Peace that is beyond human understanding. That's the promise. Don't worry! Jesus said that, not me.