Worrying about the future is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. It is carrying two days at once. The truth is each day has its own problems, pressures and concerns. Yet, so often we are tempted to add to the strain of today, with anxious thoughts about tomorrow; regarding things which may never happen.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
This is not easy to confess, but as I write this article, I am convicted by how much time I spend worrying. I think God is challenging me to trust Him with each care and outcome, since I have no control over what will happen anyway.
Specifically, I spend a lot of time worrying about the future. I wonder how we will get through the next several years, as my husband and I grow older and face significant health issues. The answer is of course, that we will manage the same way as with everything else; by the grace of God and one day at a time.
The Cambridge dictionary defines worrying as: “making you feel unhappy and frightened.” What an appropriate definition of how worrying makes one feel.
It’s okay to think and plan for the future, but worrying means that we’re thinking about the future in a way that causes fear or undue anxiety.
Sometimes, we may not even realize we’re worrying because it has become such an ingrained habit.For others, worrying may be a medical problem. According to Harvard Medical School, “Everyone feels afraid or worried at times, but if these feelings begin to take over your life, then you may have crossed over into Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), which may require professional treatment.”
The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
Worrying increases our stress and decreases the strength we need to face today’s problems.
In addition, worrying can mean that we are leaving God out of the equation. We may unintentionally forget about Him and doubt that He will be sufficient for our needs.
In the Bible, Jesus’ teaching about worrying is clear. He contrasts unbelievers with believers (Matthew 6:25 -34 NLT). Unbelievers spend time worrying about food and clothing. They are worrying about their needs and carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. But believers are not to worry, because we have a heavenly Father who provides for all of His creatures.
Matthew 6:25-27 says, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT)
Surely if our heavenly Father cares so much about the birds, He will certainly provide for us who are created in His own image.
In fact, we gain nothing by worrying about tomorrow; but instead we lose so much. Worrying can negatively impact our health; cause us to exchange joy for sadness and lead us to surrender our peace for fear. Worrying robs us of living in the present moment; and it steals our contentment and gratitude.
Also, if we’re worrying, more than likely; we’re less engaged, and unable to give today’s activities and others our full attention.
In addition, worrying means that we’re missing the opportunity to please God through faith in Him.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)
So, what can we do when we’re worrying and tempted to carry two days at once?
God has a solution for us in the Bible.
1 Peter 5:7 says, “7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)Philippians 4:6-7 says, “6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)
We can turn our worrying into prayers and receive peace, calm, joy and contentment, from the Lord.
Do you spend time worrying about the future?
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