Luke 12:25-26 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
Did you know that the origin of the word ‘worry’ meant ‘to strangle’ in Old English? Some other derivative in the earliest versions for worry was to twist, wring, annoy and vex. In 1804 it was redefined as anxiety arising from cares and troubles. Worry causes anxiety which creates an imbalance between the emotional and thinking inhibitory parts of the brain. Worry and anxiety causes disruption to the efficient cognitive functions of the brain. Hence worrying about something will worsen it rather than making it any better. It is medically validated that anxiety about physical symptoms can make the health condition worsen.
Jesus asked a very profound question to the crowd that was eagerly listening to His sermon. Can you add a single hour to your life? In other words, He asked them ‘does worrying give you better control over the situation that you are in?’ We cannot alter, change or control anything that goes on in our lives. Worrying about what we cannot control is just a waste of time. Jesus described ‘worries of life’ as thrones that strangle God’s Word out of our heart. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature (Luke 8:14). Worrying about the future, finance and family cannot make our future brighter, finance bigger or family any better. And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. (Luke 12:29). Our Heavenly Father who is the only one in control of our future knows all that we need. Worries, stress and anxiety can discombobulate our minds and adversely affect our efficiency.
Worrying makes us emotionally unstable. Replace worry with worship.
Three thoughts on worry that causes emotional instability:
1. Thorns: Life of stress and worry is like trying to walk with a prickle in your heel. We will be hopping, hobbling and falling along the way. If we feel great on one day and rock bottom on the other, the thorn of worry is piercing through and strangling our faith. When overwhelmed with worry, start worshipping. Turn on worship music and remove the thorn of worry.
2. Thrust: Worry is a thrust. It is a heavy load over our head. Stress presses on our heart and crushes our spirit. Thrust in Physics is a force or a push. Worry is a thrust on our soul that will shove us to the ground with fear and insecurity. God is in control of everything that is happening in our lives. Overcome the thrust of worry with praise.
3. Trust: Trust is the ultimate antidote to the thorn and thrust of worry. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Trust is to rest on the bosom of our Saviour.
Overcome worry with worship.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know all that I need. Help me to overcome the throne and thrust of worry by trusting in you. Amen
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