Valentine’s Day is one of the most worrisome holidays in America. Thanksgiving and Christmas are stressful, but Valentine’s Day is worrisome. Questions such as, “Do I spring for Russell Stovers or can I settle for a bag of M&M’s? Do I buy red roses or yellow roses? Do I say “I love you” or “I like you?” are all common.
Check out Philippians 4:6. Worry is being anxious about things that might happen, fretting over things that have already happened, and being fearful about things you cannot control. It can cause: nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, or ulcers and can make normal life dysfunctional. If people ask “What’s wrong?” or “What’s got you down?” or “Why are you so sad?” then you are probably worrying too much.
Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million adults every year. It is the number one mental health problem even over depression. Worry costs the US workplace $46 billion each year and 88% is in lost productivity. If you find yourself in this category, you are not alone. Click here to see how other people are affected by worry.
Don’t worry. (Matthew 6:25-32)
See the big picture (Matthew 6:25). Jesus says life is more than food and our bodies are more than clothing.
- Put your worries in perspective and widen your perspective to see all that God has for you.
- Understand life is more than material, miniscule things.
- Don’t get so worried over the little details, that you miss the big picture.
Know that God cares and is in control (Matthew 6:26–30). God cares for the beautiful birds and flowers that we see each day and he cares much more for you and me.
- Understand who God is, what he is capable of, and how much he cares for you.
- Proverbs 21:31 reminds us that it is our job to be prepared, but the result is in the Lord’s hands.
Jesus tells us not to worry, but then tells us what to do instead. If all He said was not to worry, that would last maybe a day or a week, but He tells us what to do in place of worrying.
Seek God. (Matthew 6:33)
- Seek God first. When troubles come, do you try to fix it yourself or seek God?
- Is God who you seek before all else, or is he a good Plan B?
- 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your worries on God. Do you really cast ALL your worries upon him?
- Live a righteous life. Are you busy helping others? Are you using your gifts and talents to expand the kingdom of God?
- Our needs will be met. Remember, out needs will be met, not our wants.
- Jesus is saying, trust me, I care for you and I will meet all your needs.
When we seek God and live a righteous life; we are too busy to worry during the day, and too sleepy to worry during the night.
Worry is all about perspective. Look at Matthew 6:32. Do you have a hope of life after death or is your hope in this life only? For those of us who have trusted Jesus as our Savior, we have an assured hope of life in Heaven. If you focus your attention on this hope, your worry will quickly fade.
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