Everyone has one thing or the other to worry about. It is natural. We all worry about our businesses, jobs, investments, finances, families, children, parents, health, what to eat, dresses to wear, retirement, security of lives and properties etc. We worry about the future because we do not know what will happen. But God is omniscient. He knows what will happen in future and is in absolute control of tomorrow.
Isaiah 46:10 (NKJV) says “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done.” God knows the end-result even before anything is started. And in all cases, His purpose must be accomplished. Consequently, we should not worry but put our trust in Him. He has assured us that His plans for us are for good, to have our expected end.
Studies have found that 40 percent of our worries relate to things that never occur, 30 percent to things we cannot change, 12 percent to health (while we are still healthy), and 10 percent to petty concerns. Only 8 percent of worries are about real problems. Thus, 92 percent of our worries are wasted.
It is noteworthy that 40 percent of our worries are for things that will not even happen. That means that if we know these 40 percent, we should not worry about them at all. But we do not know. Only God knows. Why should we worry for what we cannot change which constitutes 30 percent of our worries? But those things we cannot change as human beings can be changed by God, who is omnipotent. He is the unchangeable changer.
Worrying saps your energy and rarely solves problems. Productive people spend their energy doing something about their problems rather than just worrying about them. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 through Christ Jesus.”
According to Apostle Paul, the antidote to worry is prayer. Worries must be turned to prayers. The more you pray, the less you worry. God’s peace will guard our hearts against worry.
Worrying is bad for your health. A recent Mayo Clinic study revealed that 80 percent of their patients were ill directly or indirectly because of their mental stress. Stress is an automatic physical, mental and emotional response to a challenging event. It is a normal part of everyone’s life. The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses called stress.
Physical symptoms of stress include aches and pains, exhaustion, dizziness, high blood pressure, muscle tension, stomach or digestive problems, weak immune system. Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like anxiety, depression, panic attacks and sadness.
Today, the stress level in the country is high because of serious dislocation of economic activities, resulting from unprecedented insecurity of life and properties. The health, educational, agricultural, transport, power and other sectors are seriously disrupted.
Politicians are going through perilous times in their struggle for Aso Rock next year. Who will be the next president of our country is everyone’s concern today. Most of the politicians are holding meetings day and night with little or no rest or sleep. They do not have adequate rest of the body and peace of mind. All these result in serious health issues. Heart attack and stroke are now prevalent in the country.
In order to tackle their stress, some resort to alcohol and drugs, thinking that the solution can be found there. Some resort to idols and false gods, thinking there is a way there but they are all a blind alley. Some wealthy ones resort to whatever is recommended for them that money can buy. But money cannot buy peace of mind and joy. Only a sound relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ can guarantee these.
Apostle Peter gives us a solution to stress in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), which says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We should cast all our cares on God because He cares for us. Just throw your burdens on Him and let Him carry them. There is nothing we are going through that we cannot cast on the Lord. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Good morning Sir,I stubbled into one of your articles specifically the one you wrote about”antidotes to worry” . It actually consoled me. I have been worried over a job I couldn’t get despite surpassing all the rigorous processes accurately, but painfully my name wasn’t shotlisted. I have been crying and thinking. But now I have found peace from your knowledge. Thank you so much sir.
Bettina Chioma