We know that anxiety and worry can take a toll on us. We experience the physical effects in the form of stress-related illness. The psychological and emotional impact can leave us feeling weary or depressed. It turns out that there are plenty of good reasons that our loving Father tells us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Another good reason to not worry—one that we probably don’t often consider—is that an anxious mind harms our witness. Think of the message you send to others when you, who claim to trust in God, frequently complain of worry. People may wonder what is so good about following a God who doesn’t help you with the things that make you fret.
That doesn’t mean we should “put on a positive face” and pretend that we don’t worry. Living a lie is just as harmful—maybe more so—than worrying all the time. People are quick to pick up on hypocrisy.
Instead, we ought to admit that we have anxieties and then promptly give them over to the Lord. And once given, never take them back. Those burdens are now his, and we must leave them in his hands.
That’s something to think about.
Westside Church of Christ 