WHY WORRY

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL, USA)

"Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?". -(Matthew 6:27)

Growing up as a young lad I longed to be taller, so that I could be a better basketball player. But all those longings failed to add one inch to my statue. I remember one of my most admired TV characters, Deputy Barney Fife, once had the similar worry, as he was too short to qualify as a deputy sheriff. His boss, Andy, responded helpfully by hanging Barney up to stretch his frail body, but this too was an exercise in futility.

So, you see, it's useless to worry. A short person cannot, by any amount of anxiety, make himself an inch taller, or a tall person short. Why, therefore, should one waste his or her time and energy by fretting a life away?

We also oftentimes worry over circumstances, of which we have no control. The world affairs, the climate changes, even some uncomfortable circumstances of the religious world. Even wise mindsets and philosophy's give examples of the uselessness of worrying, as it helps nothing, and only wastes one's strength and energy in the long run.

Conversely, the scripture goes farther, and says that even the hard things and the obstacles are blessings, if we meet them in the right spirit -- stumbling blocks become stepping-stones lifting our feet upward, towards the things of Christ.

"For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

So we learn that we should quietly and with faith accept life as it comes to us, fretting at nothing, changing hard conditions to easier if we can; if we cannot, then take them as means for growth and advancement.

"31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31-33)

ADDITIONAL HELPS-- FROM THE GREATEST PROSE WRITER OF ALL
Nothing compares to the joy you give--(Psalm 4:6-8)
You are my Shepherd--(Psalm 23:1-6)
You store up Your goodness for us-- (Psalm 31:19-20)
You have always been with me --(Psalm 71:5-9, 12, 14-18)
A day with you is better than a 1000 years anywhere else-- (Psalm 84:10-12)
All life depends on You-- (Psalm 104:24-30)
I trust in your promises--(Psalm 119:137-138, 140-144)
You are with me wherever I go--(Psalm 139:7-12)
You are close when I call--(Psalm145:13-21).

Often times, I come to my Heavenly Father with a Landry list of worries for Him to handle. I realize that we are encouraged to come boldly to Him (Hebrews 4:16). However, am I being a little too bold? Is my mind filled with things of this earth?

Yes, God does want us to grow into mature believers (Hebrews 6:1) in our understanding of what it means to have a relationship with Him. If we truly love Him, the things that are on His heart will increasingly be on ours as well.

God wants us to bring our everyday needs before Him with faith and expectation (Acts 3:15) . But not our uncontrollable worries (Matthew 4:4). Just love Him for what He is, our Heavenly Father (Proverbs 30:7-9).

Author's Post Script
I once had to escort my old preacher Daddy to the emergency room, due to an undisclosed illness. I can still remember him singing the old hymn, "Count Your Blessing" in route to the hospital. However, he changed the lyrics somewhat to read "Count Your Blessings, Name Them Ton-By-Ton". You see, faith is always the answer. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)