Ninety-plus percent of the things we worry about never come true.
I could end this blog right there, but you came to read so I’ll write a bit more to explain myself. I’ll do that after I tell a little story…
There once was a man who worked hard to provide for his family. He was a Christian man who strove to work “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24), as the good Word instructed him. For the most part, he abided in this mindset. He wasn’t perfect, having made mistakes in the past, even losing some family wealth through poor investing. Additionally, since he was a husband and father of six beautiful children, he was burdened with a sense of responsibility that extended far beyond his own personal needs (1 Timothy 5:8).
Because he worked as an editor for a mainstream newspaper, he was privy to news that revealed the bowels of society in anecdotal form. Moreover, he was privy to the opinions of so-called “experts” in this world. These included renowned business leaders who made sweeping statements about the future of the country and even the world. He also proofread daily stories coming from the political realm, where all too often future candidates spewed fear and doubt, like panic mongers. The latter often latched on to any notion of bad news and used it to control the masses. It’s a terrible cycle that this poor editor earnestly tried to remain immune to. But he couldn’t, because he was a human and had responsibilities as constant reminders of his ability to fail. Can you relate to this man? I can.
Any good man’s great fear is the inability to take care of his family.
This fear can quickly turn to anxiety, which can turn into debilitating paralysis. With so many options and so few people able to escape the trappings of fear, there’s a lot of pressure to make the right choices. On top of that, the world seems to be accelerating at a blistering pace. Like for the man in the story, absorbing all the data, bad news, and opinions of others can be overwhelming. The best we can hope for most days is to “just survive” it all. At least that’s what our human flesh tells us.
Living your life in “survival mode” is a terrible way to exist, especially as a child of God.
Do you remember being a child and not having a care in the world? I do. We like to say, “Those were the good old days!” Back then there were no real responsibilities to worry about (save a chore or two that we always left until the last minute – lol). As children, we were free to investigate, take risks, succeed, and even fail with little to no penalty. Sure, maybe we got some stitches or a cast, but, for most of us, life was characterized by freedom; we certainly never felt the way the man in the story did!
When we were kids, “survival” meant making it through a day without a new bruise, future scar, or getting in trouble for doing something stupid with your friends.
By comparison, life was rather fun back then, huh? I think so, at least in some ways. But where in the Bible does it say that just because we grow up and are commanded to take on responsibilities (and take them seriously), that our joy for living should dissipate? It doesn’t. In fact, the Bible teaches us something very different!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
– Romans 8:6
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
– Matthew 11:28-30
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
– Isaiah 12:2
We ought not long for our childhood because we now bear the load of adulthood. As children, we were in bondage to our flesh; as God’s children, we are in bondage to Christ. Therefore, let us search Holy Scripture for encouragement. As Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b-32). Life as an adult child of God represents a unique opportunity for us to enjoy the fullness of God’s grace while still on this Earth.
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
– Psalm 118:24
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
– Philippians 4:4
Am I suggesting you throw caution to the wind, as they say? Not at all. I’m just reminding you that, as a child of God, there’s nothing of any real consequence left to worry about here on Earth. Should you persist in doing good, providing for your family, and so on? Of course – we are commanded to do those things. My point is that we ought not be slaves to the details of life (2 Timothy 2:4), for we are slaves of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22), who has everything under control in our stead. I suggest you read Be Anxious For Nothing if you need a little more encouragement. If you really need even deeper encouragement, I suggest you read When the Going Gets Tough (get some tissues out). If you prefer to hum to a hymn instead, may I suggest the following:
Standing On the Promises of Christ, My King
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King!
Through eternal ages let His praises ring.
“Glory in the highest!” I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail!
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises, I now can see
perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s Sword,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
list’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Let us not merely exist as people trying to “survive” life. That’s not the Lord’s desire for any of His children (better yet, that’s not why He saved us). Instead, as the great hymn states, may we be found, “Standing on the promises that cannot fail!” Perspective is everything. Let’s do as the Lord commands and rejoice always, knowing two things, especially: most situations we worry about never come to pass and whatever does come to pass was God’s perfect will. So rather than sweat the details, why not just enjoy the life that God has given you?
Life is good. God says so.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
– Psalm 5:11-12
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins