WORRY: IT’S PARALYSING EFFECTS
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
We live in interesting times. We are safer than any generation that has gone before us, yet we worry more than at any other time in history.
Deyoung writes about this in the context of the growing complexity of parenting: ‘It used to be, as far as I can tell, that Christian parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, teach them about Jesus, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no, wait, their tummies; no, never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart and surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until they’re about five foot six.’ (If you like your books short and easy-to-read, I recommend Crazy Busy by Kevin Deyoung.)
Our generation knows so much. Knowledge is on tap. But knowing too much can have its drawbacks because it opens our eyes to the many risks that are before us – risks that have always existed, only now we have knowledge of them. We then complicate our lives by attempting to harbour control and to manipulate the future. Worry sets in when we envisage a future under our own command and without God, and this can be paralysing. Worry makes us inward looking and traps us in our own thoughts.
Nowhere is it recorded in the Bible that we should worry. But there are multiple accounts inviting us to find rest by casting our burdens on God. Keeping our eyes fixed on God can help us break free from worry, knowing our help comes from Him. When we are in God’s presence, worry is overtaken by peace.
Creator God, Renew my strength. Fill me with a power, love and discipline that drives out fear and worries. Remind me of your presence in my life and make my path straight. Amen.
