The dictionary defines worry as when we give way to anxiety and unease. Worry is when we allow ourselves to dwell on problems and troubles or challenges that we are currently facing, or that we have a potential to face. God does not want us to worry or be anxious. Philippians 4:6 states, “Be anxious for nothing.”
In a world where there is so much more that we can do, and where there is more means than ever before to find solutions to problems, especially with the increase in technology, why is the problem of worry and anxiety much more than before? CDC.gov states that suicide rate increased by 30 % between year 2000 and 2018. It also states that suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States. This is about one death every eleven minutes!
How can we use God’s word to counter anxiety. We all face anxious thoughts from time to time. Some of these worries may come due to work related pressures, others may come from friction in our relationships or even stressful financial situations. The question is not if it will come. The question is, how do we resolve or eliminate it, especially as a believer in Christ. We know the statistics, it is clear that the world has no solution to this problem. Even with therapy and psychologists, the suicide rate is still so high!
As Christians, we have a solution. The solution is in the word of God. The same passage that tells us not to worry, also tells us how to counter worry. Philippians 4:6 tells us to “be anxious for nothing.” It then goes on to say, “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) God did not leave us hanging! We are given a solution.
So rather than to worry about an issue for several hours. Having it go back and forth in our minds without any hope for a solution, we can take that same time and pray. God wants us to take it to him. The bible states, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13. We must know to seek the face of Jesus. We must learn to cry out to him. He cares about every single aspect of our lives. A lot of times, we feel as though God cares about only the gigantic things. 1 Peter 5:7 states, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This is a blank check! He is saying, “Throw it at me!” Why does God want us to throw our anxieties at him? He want us to trust him.
Trust is earned, not demanded. God wants us to learn to trust him. You can only give up something that is of great importance to you over to someone that you trust deeply. If it is so important that it keeps you up all night long, then it is of great value to you. God want’s it all! We must view God as bigger than our problems. We must see him as someone worthy of our attention. After we make our requests to God, we must then thank him for the solution that he is sure to give to us.