What is a “worrywart”? There has long been an erroneous belief
that warts are caused by worry and stress. A worrywart is someone who worries
needlessly, often without justifiable reasons. Been there; done that.
Worry plagues many of us—overwhelming us one moment and
manageable the next. Some years ago, I decided to look at what the Bible has to
say about worry. Worry is not a new problem. In Psalm 55 David admits, “I am
worn out by my worries.” Isn’t that so true? Worry is exhausting!
Luke 10:38-42 tells of a time Jesus visited Mary and Martha.
Wrapped up in housework and cooking, Martha wants everything to be just right
for Jesus. I can relate to that! Don’t we do the very same things when company
comes to our house?
I remember when our church invited a gospel group to sing at
both the morning and evening Sunday services. Members were asked to host the
various singers during the hours between the services. My husband Dick and I
volunteered and the day before their arrival I vacuumed, dusted, organized and
scrubbed. I nagged my husband and children to keep it tidied up.
That Sunday during church, I mentally went over my “to do”
list for the noon meal. I rushed home after the benediction and frantically added
last minute touches to the meal.
However, between laughing and talking, we were barely aware
of what we were eating. Afterwards, Dick took the guys for a walk in the woods.
Hours later they tracked through the living room with mud on their shoes,
oblivious to my nice clean carpet.
I worried and nagged for nothing! I lost out on a good
message at church, ran myself ragged, and no one even peeked into my nice clean
bathroom or cared what we ate for lunch! I certainly didn’t get revived, I
exhausted myself! Like Martha, my priorities were misplaced.
Martha got all worked up cooking and cleaning, when all Jesus
really wanted was her devotion to Him. He pointed out that her priorities were wrong:
“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is
only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will
not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
How do we overcome worry? Mary and Martha reveal the first step:
1) Look to Jesus to find out what is really important.
Steps two and three are found in Philippians 4:6-7. 2) Pray:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you
need.
And 3) Give thanks to God for all he has done. Instead of
going over and over a problem, list what we are thankful for. Then God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand, will guard our hearts and minds as we
live in Christ Jesus.
Be encouraged!
Pam
