Worry: It's a Killer!

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (billygraham.org) includes this helpful article, “How to Deal with Anxiety.”

We’re all prone to anxiety and worry, and simply telling ourselves that we shouldn’t worry about a problem we’re facing won’t make it go away. It may even make things worse by keeping us from doing something about it.

But the Bible gives us a specific cure for anxiety — and that is to trust God and turn our worries and anxieties over to Him.

Think of it this way. Imagine for a moment that a worry is a heavy burden you’re carrying on your back (like a backpack filled with rocks). Wishing it will go away won’t solve the problem, nor will simply hoping the burden will grow lighter. But suppose you meet someone who’s obviously stronger than you, and he offers to take the burden off your back and carry it for you. What would you do? It would be foolish for you to keep carrying that anxiety; instead, you’d gladly hand it over to him.

And that’s what God wants us to do with our burdens — hand them over to Him in faith and trust. He knows all about us; He knows our problems, and He knows all about the things that concern us. Furthermore, He loves us, and He wants to help us. The Bible says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

When anxiety comes — and it will — learn to hand it over to Jesus Christ. He can be trusted to guide you, and He will give you His peace.

Darrell Delaney (cohost of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork and lead chaplain with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry in Michigan), shares his testimony of “Letting go of Worry” at todaydevotional.com.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

When I was younger, I was often consumed by worry. Whether it had to do with school, relationships, or the future, my mind was constantly racing with anxiety.

When I was preparing for an important exam, the stress would be overwhelming, and I couldn’t sleep or focus. But one evening a trusted friend reminded me of Philippians 4:6-7. This encouraged me to turn my worries into prayers and to trust that God would take care of the rest.

Worry can easily become a burden that weighs us down, affecting our health, relationships, and well-being. It can steal our joy and keep us from fully experiencing the present.

When we present our worries to God, we acknowledge that he is in control and that we trust him with our lives. This act of surrender allows us to experience his peace, which goes beyond human understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds, protecting us from the harmful effects of anxiety.

Letting go of worry is not always easy. It requires a conscious effort to shift our focus from our problems to God’s promises. It means choosing to trust that God is bigger than any situation we face. From my experiences I can say that every time I have chosen to trust God instead of worrying, he has provided for me in ways I did not imagine.

Lord, help me to let go of my worries and to trust in you. Fill my heart with your peace and remind me of your faithfulness. In Jesus, Amen.

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This Sunday, September 14, we will continue our new series, “Tackling the Tough Stuff!”, with the distressing topic of “WORRY: It’s a Killer!” Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us!

Note: This Sunday is BGMC Sunday so kids please bring your Buddy Barrels filled with coins for missions. One child will receive a prize for his or her generous giving.

Aloha ke Akua!