WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
Worry has been a formidable barrier for me much of my life, one that requires my concentrated prayers and positive actions to overcome. I remember my first trip to Alaska to a remote location in a two-engine plane. Even before leaving, I worried about the weather, size of the plane, pilot’s skill, and our remote accommodations. Would I freak out being on a small plane? Could I survive in the wilderness if I had to?
After leaving the airport in Anchorage, we immediately got into some bad weather. I asked the pilot if we should turn back, how he would find the landing strip in the fog, and if he had enough fuel to get us back if he couldn’t. Finally he said, “Jim, just relax and trust the instruments. They’ll guide us safely to our destination.”
Then we cut through the thick clouds and the majestic Alaska Range appeared like shark’s teeth in a sea of foam. I was in awe, relishing the view. But when we dropped for our approach, worry returned. The wings began to chatter and flutter. All I could see was white. Casual conversation stopped, worry held us all in its grip, and fear penetrated our hearts. We waited. Then suddenly we punched through the clouds and found our way to the landing strip and warm, comfortable lodge.
“Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” – Mark Twain
Worry migrates from a feeling of uneasiness to apprehension, dread, fear, and terror. It’s usually related to negative thoughts of something that may happen in the future. Still, it can consume us, eating away at our faith and inner peace. It takes our focus off God’s faithfulness and promises and dissolves our trust. It can isolate us, paralyze us, and keep us from experiencing the blessings of joy God intended His children to have in an abundant life.
“Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” – Arthur Roche
Worry stems from assuming responsibility for things that are outside our control, fretting over the “what ifs,” and doubting God. God’s Word is our best defense. Filling our thoughts with truth helps us regain perspective. The majesty of our Heavenly Father cuts through the fog of our fears. We remember in Whom to place our trust.
- Proverbs 20:24 reminds us He has determined our path.
- Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us He goes before us, will be with us, and will never leave us.
- Philippians 4:13 reminds us we can do all things through Christ.
- Philippians 4:4-7 reminds us to rejoice in the Lord, be anxious for nothing, but instead bring our concerns to God and He will give us the peace that passes understanding.
- Psalm 57:1 reminds us to cry out to God and take refuge in Him until the danger has passed.
When we remember the truth, worry is replaced with praise, peace, and confidence.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:6-8
Personal Application: What do you worry about? How do you battle worry? Make a list of scriptures that will help you the next time you battle in the trenches of worry.
- Taken in part from Overcoming Barriers Men Face: Biblical Thoughts on Issues Confronting Men Today by Jim Grassi D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5