Why Worry?

Very seldom do we feel as though we have any control over our anxieties and worries. Most of the time it feels as though life is a constant battle; yet, we fail to see that the battle is within. We find ourselves being conquered by feelings, instead of fighting the fight of faith. We will never live in the peace that Jesus came to give us if we don't learn to "cast our cares."

If we really stop to think about it...Jesus made a really great point in Matthew 6:27 when He said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." Quite simply put, "Why worry?" Really, what exactly does it accomplish? We spend so much time worrying and trying to somehow solve situations that only God can resolve, redeem, and restore. We must stop "trying" and just start "trusting."

God has made it clear to us that we are not to carry our burdens. He has told us to "cast our cares" upon Him, but what exactly does that mean? How are we to just "give it to God?" It's much easier said than done. The whole idea becomes illusive as the burdens just seem to continue to pile upon us. If you want to "let go and let God" there are three things you can do to "cast your cares:"

First, Pray. We spend so much time exhausting all of our resources and completely wearing ourselves out by trying to do what only God can do. And when you pray, believe that He hears you; believe that He will answer, in His timing, in His way. (AND trust that His ways are ALWAYS best!) We must trust completely in 1 Peter 5:7 that says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." God doesn't want His children full of worry. He wants you worshiping; trusting that He is true to His Word and He is working ALL things for good.

Second, Don't entertain the enemy. Listen, the moment you "cast your cares," the enemy is going to make a surprise visit. He'll want to sit down and have a cup of coffee and reminisce over the past while creating anxiety over the future. You'll be tempted to listen and give in to doubt and disbelief, but faith does not walk by sight. If Christ is within you, then you also have His mind. Continually ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Think?" You must recognize that the enemy is filling you with lies and trying to take control of your mind. He wants you to worry. We've been specifically instructed in Philippians 4:8 to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-anything is excellent or praiseworthy." Don't let the enemy use footholds to create strongholds in your life.

Third, Say what God says. There's nothing worth thinking OR saying unless we're thinking and speaking what God has said. The Bible is God's amazing gift to us; it is filled with Promises we can claim; they are Promises that He always keeps. There is no supernatural power in our words, but there is a power in the Words of God that will move any mountain, heal the sick, and do the impossible in your life. Instead of only fighting your thoughts with thoughts, you must start fighting your thoughts with Truth. What does God say about your life and the struggles you face? God did not sacrifice His Son so that we could walk around in defeat; He sacrificed so that we might have the victory. And it's not victory in the absence of trials and tribulations; it's victory in the midst of them. In Romans 8:35-37 we're told that in our suffering, affliction, tribulation, calamity, and distress, we are MORE than conquerors through Christ who loved us! Don't listen to the enemy, listen to your God; don't believe the lies, build your life upon the Truth.

One thing is for sure, you will daily fight the fight of faith. You will find more things in "this world" to contradict the faith you cling to, don't be deceived. If you are trusting in God regardless of what you see, think, or feel, you are guaranteed the victory. For those who place their trust in Him, there is no disappointment. Psalm 22:5 If you're truly trusting in God and His Promises, what exactly is there to worry about?

Cherie Hill is founder of http://www.ScriptureNow.com She has a BA in Psychology, is trained in Biblical Counseling through the AACC, and furthers her Biblical Studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the author of "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms" and has published two AmazonShort Christian Bestsellers. Cherie writes the Christian Women's column, "FAITHLIFT" for CWAHM.com and brings life applicable Biblical teaching to the world through "SpiritWaves," featured on EzraWebRadio.com. Her BlogCast"FaithSteps" consistently ranks in the top 25 Christian Podcasts on GodCast1000. She also enjoys the privilege of being a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger.