Worry
Scripture:
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection:
Today I choose to fast from the wound of worry.
Worry is a bit like sitting in a rocking chair - there’s lots of movement happening, but you’re not actually going anywhere. Worry is the task of asking (often hypothetical) questions. The most common question is “what if … ?” What if they don’t like me? What if I fail at this project? What if the other person doesn’t come through?
Worry becomes a self-inflicted wound where we focus all our energy on imagining a range of possible negative outcomes. It drains us of all our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy. By using all of our resources to consider potential negative outcomes, we convince ourselves that positive outcomes are unlikely or perhaps even impossible. This leaves us closed off to God’s voice and unable to experience the peace promised to us in Philippians 4:7.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What do I worry about most often? Why?
When have I experienced worry closing me off from God’s voice and peace?
Prayer:
Use 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Philippians 4:6-7 as a model for your prayers. Share your anxieties with God and give them into God’s hands. Share your thanksgiving and your requests to God in prayer and then ask God to grant you peace as you trust in Him.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
