“CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU.”
1 Peter 5:7
A. INTRODUCTION
In our world today, worry seems like just a normal way of life. But by reading God‘s word, it seems that worry is something we shouldn‘t even think of, let alone spend so much of our time experiencing it.
B. TRADE-OFFS
Life is filled with trade-offs. These are not easy decision anymore. Every individual has needs (Bodily, Psychological, Personal and Spiritual). These needs cannot be all satisfied at once. There may be conflict of interest with other people‘s needs and there may be contradictions in satisfying those needs. Decision making is not easy. I have limited options, money, restrictions and personal requirements.
Time is a Big factor in causing anxiety.
If you have enough time pray, think and act at your convenience, life will be much easier. But having to act within certain time frame adds pressure and you become too worried and may fall in despair, and become restless and hopeless. Once the time constraint is removed the pressure on the person is reduced.
DON’T WORRY
Take your eyes off the problems
―Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Phil. 4:6-7
Turn your eyes to the Lord Jesus. Look fully into His wondrous face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
Think of God’s protection
Psalm 91 is a great chapter on God‘s protection. Verses 9 and 10 say that if you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
Do not be afraid.
Read the passage in Matt 6:25-34. It speaks of God caring so much for us and how valuable we are to Him, that He will supply our needs if we first seek His kingdom. If we keep our minds attentive to Him and live for Him, the worries of life will not seem so important. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is with us when it says, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 55:22 says to cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Again in Isaiah 41:13 He reminds us … For I am the Lord,Your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. If we have the promises of God that He will help us, what is there that should make us worry?
Let us be thankful to God
- Let us thank God for salvation
- When we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are blessed, with forgiveness; everlasting life; constant communion with Jesus; divine guidance and provision; and answers to our prayers.
- The beautiful creation of God.
- Sometimes when I feel down, I go for a walk and praise God for the beauties of this world. The Lord Jesus said, ―Consider the lilies of the field… Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
- The fellowship of the Saints.
- Our Lord has given us our brothers and sisters in Christ for our enrichment:
- ―let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. (Col 3:16)
- God‘s wonderful promises.
- When troubles assail, I open my Bible and find a promise that gives me comfort.
- Thanksgiving does drive away anxiety
Dealing with Anxiety tips
Pray and talk to the Lord about everything. Let God participate with you in all your things: study, work, decisions, meals…etc.
Anxiety will disappear as soon as you start to read the scripture and realize with thanksgiving what God is capable of doing for you.
Do not look back and think that you had troubles in your life.
Father Rueiss Awad, CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (Toronto, ON: St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church, 2019).