NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR OUR GOD
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27, ESV
Theme: Anxiety doesn’t lengthen your life; it is more likely to shorten it!
“WORRYWART”
Worrywart: this is often a playful way to describe someone who worries (often excessively!) about small things or situations which are highly unlikely to transpire. Do you know any worrywarts? Perhaps someone preoccupied or even consumed with “what-ifs”?
My family will tell you that person might be me when it comes to cold and flu season. I have an unnatural fear of the stomach bug. Hearing the words “my stomach hurts” invites immediate heart palpitations and an immense sense of dread. I often find myself in a tailspin, just knowing I’ve been in proximity to someone who ended up sick all night. This begins a cycle of nervousness, counting the days of incubation to when I might wake up in the middle of the night with the dreaded illness. The hours of lost sleep and days of worrying about getting sick have far exceeded the few occasions I’ve actually dealt with the scenario I was so worried about! Thankfully, age, maturity, and spirituality have helped me deal with this specific anxiety.
DOING MY PART...
As I’ve matured, my own mortality crosses my mind more often than it did a decade or two ago. And, while I’m not consumed with worry about it, like I once was about the stomach bug, I do try to limit or correct daily habits known to be bad for my physical health and remain diligent about healthy habits like diet and exercise. Statistically, individuals who don’t smoke, use tobacco, drink to excess, or engage in high-risk activities like skydiving, base jumping, hang gliding, and cave diving, have greater longevity. Aside from my one and only skydive, I consider my lifestyle “healthy.”
BUT WAIT…
What happens when I put anxiety and worry in the category of unhealthy habits, even over something as silly as the stomach bug? Studies prove persistent anxiety keeps the body in a state of low-grade “threat mode” that has real physical consequences. Continued stress has also been linked to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, reduced immune efficiency, and sleep deficiency. That same sleep deficiency increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, dementia, and early mortality. Do you see a pattern? Suddenly my seemingly “healthy lifestyle” needs to be reevaluated! Matthew 6:27 tells us--and modern medicine validates--worry is futile and unproductive!
No matter what life stage you’re in, you have likely found yourself in a season of unease or worry. Whether you’re a student, a young adult starting a career, a new mom or dad, a business owner/entrepreneur, an executive, or an empty nester assisting aging parents…you can probably think of a “pit in your stomach” experience that was more than a fleeting thought. It’s imperative not to linger there! Believers can cast our cares upon Him as 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us in several practical ways. We can name our worry in prayer. Specific prayers release specific burdens. We can replace “what if” with “even if” during our quiet time. This acknowledges that, even if the worst happens, God will be with us. We can also practice gratitude when anxiety narrows our focus. Make it a habit to list three ways God shows up each day. Finally, limit mental rehearsing. If you catch yourself re-playing or dwelling on scenarios, say out loud, “This is not mine to solve. God, I turn this over to You.” Verbalizing this surrender can help stop the loop of anxiety.
Make It Personal: Anxiety is evidence of our need for control and can reveal doubt that God will take care of us. Today’s Scripture reminds us that worry is not only unproductive; it won’t add a single hour to this life on earth. In other words, it does us no good to worry! Instead of obsessing about what might happen, let’s set our eyes on the God of promises and provisions. He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He already knows what we need (Matthew 6:31-33). There is nothing too difficult or too big for our God (Jeremiah 32:27). He will deliver us (Psalm 50:15)! Fear not! God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1-3). As we reflect on these verses, let’s invite God to fill our hearts and replace anxiety, unrest and uncertainty with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray: Father, You see the thoughts that race through my mind and the worries I carry. When anxiety rises, remind me that You are near. Calm my heart, steady my breathing, and help me rest in Your promises. Teach me to release what I cannot control and to trust in You with what feels uncertain. Fill me with Your peace during seasons of unrest, trusting You to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Read: Hebrews 13:15; Matthew 6:31-33; Jeremiah 32:27; Psalm 50:15, 46:1-3
Weekly Memory Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV