Worry
“Cast all your care on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Are you a worry-wart? My grandfather was. He used to tell me that he has to worry about everything, because when he worries about something, it doesn’t happen! I guess that is one way to look at it. Worry has been described like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do but it won’t get you anywhere.
The word “worry” in the Greek context means to be divided. The Greek word is formed by two main root words, “divided” and “mind”. To worry means to be pulled in many different directions.
How many of you feel pulled in different directions? It isn’t a good place to be. But the good news is that we don’t have to feel pulled, worried or stressed out. All throughout Scripture, Jesus offers us the opposite!
- Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.
- Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.
- Do not be anxious about ANYTHING.
- Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest.
- Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.
- Do not worry about your life.
Should I keep going? I can! Did you know that Jesus had so much to say about your worries? Did you even know that He CARES about what is troubling you? He does! He wants to take whatever is burdening you and carry it for you.
A missionary in the Philippines was driving a large flatbed truck. He saw a local farmer who he knew walking with a really heavy load tied to his back. The load was obviously heavy and was weighing him down, so the missionary stopped and told the farmer to jump on board the back of the truck. The man did and off they went. After a little while, the missionary noticed that the farmer still had not taken the heavy load off his back.
Despite his new circumstances, the farmer was still carrying the same old heavy load. Don’t be like the farmer. Take off your backpack and enjoy the ride.