“Why Worry?” is a song written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. He writes about worry as follows: I see this world has made you sad, Some people can be bad, The things they do, the things they say, I’ll wipe away those bitter tears, I’ll chase away those restless fears, so why worry now?
I have often felt anxious and worried too much. I find daily exercise of any sort and proper rest help a lot with reducing anxiety. I have also found success in reducing anxiety with daily Bible readings and with breathing meditation. Another thing that really helped me get my life away from worry and to just living again was not dwelling on negative thoughts. Whenever I have a negative thought, I immediately resist it and do not let it take over my mind. I push it out as quickly as possible and replace it with a more positive thought. I am no expert on this, but I know doing this has helped me. Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book, called Switch on your Brain, can help teach you how to retrain your brain.
What does the Bible have to say about worry? So much actually, I will only review a few verses on worry and anxiety.
Proverbs 12:25 (ESV) 25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God does not want us to worry. Worrying is a sin. If you are worrying, please seek help sooner rather than later. It is not an enjoyable existence and it is not what God wants for us in any way. We were created by God, he loves us and he will protect us. I leave you with a message from Luke and from Jesus.
Luke 12:25 (ESV) 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
And as Jesus said: Matthew 6:31-32 (ESV) 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
