A common response to “don’t worry” is, “I can’t help it! You’ve no idea what my life is like!” We all face the temptation to worry just as Jesus did. Jesus refused worry, and encouraged His disciples as they faced the most terrifying night of their lives: John 14:27 (Amplifi ed): Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give to you. Not as the world gives…(You) do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (You) stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and (you) do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled!
This is strong language—not a suggestion to His disciples about how to live life with less tension, but an imperative command, equally strong as “You shall not murder!” So how do we obey His command, “You shall not worry”?
First, it’s important to realize that no amount of worry will prevent bad things from happening. In fact, Proverbs 18:20-21 indicates we get what we say, either for life or death. In reality, worry and fretting cultivate difficult circumstances! Worry produces a sense of impending doom so powerful it affects appetite, health, lifestyle habits, relationships, sleep and job performance. Habitual worriers are so anxiety- ridden they frequently seek relief in harmful habits such as overeating, smoking, and using alcohol and drugs.
If we seek relief in chemicals: street, liquid or prescribed, we join millions on a drug merry-go-round. The more we take, the more we “need” as drug tolerance sets in and side-affects escalate. Soon it seems like there’s no place to exit the “drug-ride.” Worry grows as we try to figure out how to get the chemicals we “need” and, as Big Pharma relentlessly raises prices, how to pay for our habit. The fact that liquid drugs (alcohol) are now available right beside our carrots and celery in the grocery store does not make that habit less deadly or addictive.
Jesus told us clearly how not to worry when He said, “I AM your peace.” Our understanding is often more tuned into the American pharmaceutical mindset than the Bible, so we tend to read Jesus’ words about the issue of anxiety and depression like this (Matthew 11:28-30): “Come to the neighborhood pharmacy, when you are overloaded with your work and sports schedule! Heavy-laden with anxiety, depression and the pressures of your fast pace of living? The newest anti- anxiety drug will give you rest, refreshing your souls.”
Jesus cannot be replaced with chemicals! Thoughtand- lifestyle changes are critically important if we are going to live in the freedom Jesus bought for us through His death and resurrection: God says to fill our minds with His Words, not idle chatter from a generally atheistic media. Reverse the amount of time spent on social media with the amount of time spent reading God’s Word, learning His approach to life.
High-sugar-caffeine-empty calories make us feel jittery and anxious. Determine to eat food created by God. God had nothing to do with white sugar, white flour and soft drinks. Real food fuels our energy in a healthy way, preventing obesity and illness.
Move! Move! Move! Daily exercise—outside whenever possible—costs nothing and creates a physical tiredness that ends in real sleep, not a fourhour drug coma.
Be sexually abstinent outside of marriage. Take time to find a man or woman who loves God more than anyone or anything else.
God loves us perfectly and desires the very best for His human beings! We receive His best when we say “yes” to the gift of His Son. Let’s grow into greater agreement with God in this New Year.
Take advantage of the Biblical discipleship opportunities with Infinite Grace Ministries! It’s an amazing “tool chest” for living life in a sin-broken world and will change you in ways you never imagined possible! Call 580-774-2884 for your personal appointment today.
Dixie Yoder
