Photo by Susan PageHave you ever wondered where the expression “worrywart” originated?
Apparently, in the late 1950s, a character called the “Worry Wart,” was drawn by J.R. Williams and appeared in Dell comics. The character, a little tyke, was not a worrier, he was more of a troublemaker who caused others to worry.
Worry often grows out of deep concern, a heavy burden or a feeling of apprehension which can lead to fear or anxiety. I am sure that we have all struggled with these feelings from time to time.
A conflicting sense of conviction and comfort occurs each time I read Scriptures that address the topic of worry.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6: 25-34).
Surveys indicate that many people’s top concerns are related to their health, finances, and their children.
Have you heard it said that parenting is a life-long sentence? It certainly comes with countless joys and sorrows. I will never forget the time when as a young mom I was deeply worried about one of my children and the pastor’s wife comforted me with the words … “Jesus knows your mother’s heart.” She then prayed with me about my concerns, which was an experience that I have never forgotten.
Worry clouds our vision and saps our strength. It can poison everything but often the harder we try not to worry the less successful we are.
That is because we can’t “not worry” in our strength. We can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said … our Heavenly Father knows what we need. The most startling fact is … He knows what we need before we even ask! This is an amazing truth!
No matter our age, we are still God’s children. What do children do when they are fearful? They usually climb onto their parent’s lap or their bed seeking comfort. When we are worried, we can run to our Abba and spend time with Him, casting all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
I imagine that our enemy loves it when we are worried. It makes us more vulnerable to his attacks.
Again, we turn to Scripture and are reassured that Jesus is greater than our enemy (1 John 4:4). Jesus said that in this world we will have tribulation, but He told us to take courage, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Certainly, in verses 33 & 34 of Matthew 6, it indicates that we cannot escape from life’s events that may cause us deep concern. However, we do not need to become “sick with worry.” We have a Saviour who knows … and He cares!
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).
I certainly don’t want to be referred to as a worrywart, although I do worry on occasion. Wart has such a nasty connotation. Let’s not even go there. Courage, faith, peace, serenity, calmness … these words are much more palatable and soothing to the spirit.
“Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:6-9).
So, considering these beautiful lessons from Scripture, with the help of our Father, … do not worry – bask in the blessedness of our Father’s care and provision!
Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.