Worry Doesn't Pay

It is not news to anyone reading these words that life is stressful. I won’t waste a bunch of words and your time listing the sources of stress. Each of us has some common sources of stress and we also have different sources of stress. Jesus talked about stress and worry. One day he pointed at the birds flying and the wildflowers in a field and reminded the group of the Father’s care for them. He asked them, “Aren’t you more valuable than the birds?” He also declared, “If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers … He will certainly care for you.” Jesus instructed them, “Don’t worry about what you will eat, what you will drink, or what you will wear. … The Father already knows your needs.” Jesus’ instructions are easier to read than they are to do. We all know He’s right, and that worry doesn’t help us, but its hard to not worry. The Apostle Paul also instructed believers about worry. He wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) If people got paid for worrying, most of us would have a bunch more money in our savings account, but worry doesn’t pay. As a matter of fact, worry costs us. It costs us lost sleep, loss of time thinking, loss of relationship peace and stability. Paul wrote “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” He doesn’t direct people to pray because they need to convince the Father that the need is real. As Jesus said, “Your Father already knows all your needs.” We pray because praying reminds us He's in control and not us. We pray because it changes our heart, our focus, and eventually prayer changes our outlook. Whenever you start to worry, bow your heart and pray! “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand,” and “His peace will guard your hearts and minds.” Try it! You will experience a difference in your life.