How To Win Over Worry

by Douglas Hoff

When this country was besieged by the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt began his presidency with an inaugural address designed to stimulate action. The commander-in-chief wanted to mobilize the government and the people to combat the economic problems which threatened the country. Roosevelt knew it would take a lot of hard work to get the country out of danger.

When faced with seemingly insurmountable odds worry can easily grip the mind. FDR reminded the country that fear could easily lead to defeat. He said, "So first of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself...nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance,"

Have you ever faced some difficulty in your life and then worried about it? While some people say they never worry, most people know the grip of worry all too well. Worry has become a familiar part of American life. It shows itself when someone nervously paces the floor and bites his nails. Sometimes it is seen on the face of the woman who could not sleep the night before because she was trying to solve a problem she thought might come up the next day. Then there is the driver speeding to work afraid he might be fired because he is late again.

Worry is wasted effort. It has been said worrying is like being on a rocking chair-it keeps a person moving but he does not go anywhere. Worry is poison to the mind and body. If it is not eliminated, the mind cannot function properly and the problem just seems to get bigger.

Worry is also a sin. Jesus taught that we should trust God to take care of our needs. The Lord commanded that we should not worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Allowing worry into one's life is violating God's will. God wants us to live the abundant life but anxiety is the devil's tool that robs us of this blessing (John 10: 10).

How do we win over worry? First, develop trust in God and his promises. He loves you and wants only what is best for you. God knows all about your situation. He is willing and able to help if you obey His law. Occasionally, Jesus rebuked his followers for having little faith. Their lack of faith was the breeding ground for fear and worry. Remember when Peter walked on the water? He began to sink after he saw the waves and began to doubt (Matthew 14:28-31). Fear focuses on the problems by taking our eyes off Jesus. One must have trusting faith before he will do what the Lord commanded.

Second, to overcome worry, keep your priorities right. Jesus taught we should "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" and God will provide the necessities of life (Matthew 6:31-33). Notice spirituality should come first in our lives. Yet, all too often things of this world get top billing. Some people leave spiritual matters last on the list if they are even on the list to begin with. This surely does not please the heavenly Father.

Third, we need to live one day at a time to banish worries. Jesus taught, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34; NKJV). It is impossible to tackle tomorrow's troubles until tomorrow comes. When problems harass you don't give into worry. If it's something you can change attack it. But, if it's something you can't change, try to accept it and go on. There are more important things to do than waste your time worrying about it.

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