Winning Against Worry

     Almost all of us worry at one time or another.  Our list might be different but most of us have some fear about our families, finances and future.  Even little things can get to us if we are not careful.  It has been said, “Worry often is a small thing that casts a big shadow.”  --Swedish Proverb  (Winning The Worry Battle, Barb Roose, 21)  We mentally play the “what if” game.  What if I lose my job?  What if my kid goes off the rails?  What if . . .  the negative possibilities are endless.  In contrast to our tendency to worry Jesus Christ offers us peace.  But how do we walk that out?
      First embrace realistic expectations about life.  Jesus told his followers “. . .in this world you will have trouble . . .” (John 16:33b). He did not say we might have trouble or we could possibly face trouble but that we WILL have trouble.  Since we live in a prosperous and free country some have come to believe that life will always be comfortable and smooth.   Suffering in our lives is not if but when.  Suffering will come and we need to be people who are not surprised, but are willing to learn from it and move forward through it.  When we read the Bible God typically calls his people to challenging, painful but impactful lives. 
     Second, remember worry is prohibited.  Worry seems to be baked into our culture.  Our media constantly bombards us with bad news.  Most of us have woven worry into our thinking since a young age.  It takes the stark command of Jesus “do not worry” (Matthew 6:25) to wake us up and call us to higher living.  A life marked by faith not by fretting.      
     Third, build strong relationships.  The New Testament contains many “one another” commands.  These commands show us that God intended for our lives to be lived in deep community with others.  To be seen and soothed by them.  To come alongside them when they are hurting.  I have lived my whole life within the loving faith communities that we call churches.  I have been prayed for, supported, helped, treated generously and loved well.  I know churches do not always do life together well; but my experience has been overwhelmingly positive.     
     Fourth, have an eternal mindset.  Troubles are temporary, God’s purposes are eternal.  After telling his followers that they will have trouble Jesus immediately goes on to say, ”But take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33c).   Jesus is in charge and calling the shots.  Jesus tells us to, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).   The principle being as we live an eternally minded lifestyle God will take care of our needs (not necessarily our wish list).   
     Winning over worry involves understanding that trouble will come, but TRUST GOD ANYWAY.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church