Do you find yourself worrying about anything today? Depending on our age or circumstances, we worry about different things. “I’m really worried,” said one little boy to a friend. “Dad slaves away at his job so I’ll never want for anything, so I’ll be able to go to university if I want to. Mom works hard every day washing and cleaning up after me, taking care of me when I get sick. They spend every day of their lives working just on my behalf. I’ worried!” His friend asked, “What have you got to worry about?” And he replied, “I’m afraid they might try to escape.”
Worrying is defined as tormenting oneself with or suffering from disturbing thoughts; fretting. It can also be an uneasiness or a feeling of anxiety. Psalm 37 tells us three times, “fret not”. On the contrary, we are to trust God, rest in His promises and wait patiently for His help and guidance. In Philippians chapter 4 we are instructed to “Be careful for nothing”.., Not to be anxious or full of care, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” May I invite you to read and meditate on Psalm 37 and Philippians 4. The context and content of both of these chapters is very helpful. The Lord instructs us to “wait patiently”. We all have to wait for various reasons, but what enables us to wait patiently? There is a big difference in our attitude and spirit in HOW we wait. Patience is a virtue.
Psalms 37:7, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:…”
Psalms 40:1, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
Corrie Ten Boom“Most Christians are being crucified on a cross between two thieves. Yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s worries.”
Warren Wiersbe“Knowing that God is faithful, it really helps me to not be captivated by worry. But knowing that He will do what He has said, He will cause it to happen, whatever He has promised, and then it causes me to be less involved in worrying about a situation.”
Josh MacDowell
Hebrews 6:15, “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
Hebrews 10:36, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
WHAT ARE THE PROMISES OF GOD?
As you read your Bible, look for His promises. They will give you hope and anticipation for the future. God will (He promises) to give you an expected end.