HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 363
page A361
• PH I L I PP I A NS 1 :6 | God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until
it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Worry See also Blessings; Character; Depression; Doubt; Encouragement;
Faith; Future; Happiness; Mercy & Grace; Peace; Presence of God; Stress;
Thankfulness
To worry is human. We worry about job security. We worry about unexpected expenses.
We worry when our children ride their bikes around the block for the first time. Worry is a
normal and natural part of life. But too much worry can distract and paralyze—and can
even lead to a sinful denial of God’s presence and grace in our lives. Scripture teaches
that we find rest from inappropriate worry when we admit we can’t control the future and
entrust ourselves—and our loved ones—to the God who does.
When does worry become sin?
• MAT T H E W 1 3 :2 2 | “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s
word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life.”
Worry is like thorny weeds—left uncontrolled, it crowds out what is good. Worry over the
concerns of life becomes sin when it prevents the Word of God from taking root in your
life. Worry is the misuse of your God-given imagination.
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• C O L O SS I A NS 3 :2 | Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
• PSA L M 5 5 :4 -5 | My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and
trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.
Worry and fear are normal responses to threatening situations, but often we imagine far
worse scenarios than ever happen. Most of your worries never come true.
• PSA L M 6 2 :6 | He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be
shaken.
Remembering that God’s love and care for you are as solid as a rock can help keep your
worries in perspective. He has everything under control.
• MAT T H E W 6 :2 7 | “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (See note on
page 866.)
Instead of adding more time or better quality of life, worry robs your health and kills
your joy.
• PH I L I PP I A NS 4 :6 | Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Talk to God openly about your worries. Hand them off to him as if to a consultant you
totally trust or to a supervisor you have the utmost confidence in.
• E X O DU S 1 4 :1 3 | But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch
the Lord rescue you today.” (See note on page 65.)
Combat worry and anxiety by remembering and trusting what God, in his Word, has
already promised to do for you.
• PH I L I PP I A NS 4 :8 -9 | Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and
pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of
praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you
heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
• C O L O SS I A NS 3 :2 | Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
Fix your thoughts on the power of God, not the problems of life. Worry will always change
you for the worse; God has the power to change you and your circumstances for the
better. Turn your attention away from negative, unbelieving thoughts to the positive, constructive thoughts of faith and hope.
• 1 SA MU E L 1 7 :3 2 -3 7 | “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight
him!” “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and
HelpFinder
Why do I worry so much? How can I worry less?