the greenest grass around

Bob Marley had it right when he said, “Don’t worry, be happy.” I don’t think he was referring to the biblical sense of the matter, but he was on the right track. 

As Christians, the Bible tells us many times not to worry. That is easier said than done in this world of constant stress and events that are out of our control. 

We are constantly looking out and aware of our surroundings or environments. It is human nature to look for danger. Our minds are hardwired to sense when something isn’t right or could be dangerous. Today’s society is bombarded with fast-paced information, news, events, and needs. Just turn on the news or scroll through social media and we cannot help but feel anxious. 

In my opinion, that is why the Bible talks about worry and anxiety 86 times. We must remember that Jesus walked the same Earth we do today. He faced situations that caused many others a lot of stress and anxiety. 

Take a look at Luke 8:22-25, when Jesus Calms the Storm:

 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so the boat was swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “ Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith,” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” 

Even the people closest to Jesus faced danger and uncertainty. Of course, they were afraid. They were physically in danger. Again, our human nature is to try and stay safe. We always look for things or situations that may cause us or our family harm. But notice that Jesus was there for them and helped ease their worry. He does the same for us. He calls us to put our faith in him and not the storm. Jesus did not let his disciples down and does the same for us. 

1 Peter 5:7 calls us to cast all our anxieties on him because he cares for us. 

It is easy for us to overlook that God cares for even our small worries and anxieties. He wants to carry them for us, but we have to put our faith in him and give them to him. We must put our faith in Him and allow him to be Lord of our life. This means giving all of our worries over to him. 

Again, this is easier said than done. 

I am writing this because I was up one night worrying about several things; my child’s grades, family issues, finances, and health issues, just to name a few. I was allowing worry and stress to get the better of me. But a verse popped into my head as I lay in bed, unable to sleep because of everything running through my mind. 

John 6:25-34 says that we can look at the birds in the air and the flowers in the field and observe God’s care over creation. Neither the bird nor the flowers work or have any need to be anxious because God is faithful to them. And then Jesus tells us to note how much more people are worth than birds and flowers! Likewise, we do not need to be anxious about our lives.

Without me even asking, God eased my worrying mind. He does care for us. He clothes the flowers in magnificent colors and takes care of all creation. Of course, He will take care of you too. 

Here are a few ideas to take into consideration next time you are worried and anxious;

1. Worrying is a waste of time if we put our trust in God.

Why? Because God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He already knows what will happen tomorrow and has prepared you for any situation. There is nothing we can “worry” about that God does not already know. There is nothing that God has not already overcome. 

Psalms 23: 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff comfort me. 

In God’s presence, we can put our trust in him, just like the sheep put their trust in their shepherd. When the sheep are with their shepherd, they know they are safe. When we seek God, we are trusting him. He is our shepherd.

2. Worry is exactly what the Devil wants us to do.

When we allow ourselves to be overcome by worry and anxiety, that is playing right into the Devil’s hands. Look at Acts 12. Peter was imprisoned, yet he could sleep with the idea of death weighing over him. He was able to do this because he put his trust in God. The Devil would have won if Peter would have been up pacing the prison floor, sweating something he had no control over.  

3. Worry is harmful to us mentally and physically. 

Hardly anything is more detrimental to our health and mental well-being than constant worry and anxiety. Worrying excessively can have the same effect on your body as chronic stress, triggering the fight-or-flight response and releasing stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic stress has been shown to contribute to serious health issues, such as digestive problems, heart disease, and suppression of the immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2022). 

Luke 12; 25-31 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 

4. Worry is detrimental to others and our witnesses.

When Christians constantly let worry and anxiety win, we give the world a negative testimony of God. Others see our worry and stress as unbelief or lack of faith. This can cause unbelievers or new believers to face a stumbling block. If we can put our faith and trust in God during times of worry and stress, that is an amazing testimony to Him. 

Remember, God, will be glorified when we trust him during hardship. We never know why God allows things to happen in our lives, but if we put our trust and faith in him, he will be glorified. 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-3 NJKV).

Putting your trust and faith in God can be hard during times of struggle. We want to control our lives and keep everything in its place. We want an easy life without hardships and struggles. Unfortunately, the Bible tells us we will have trials and suffering. These things are out of our control. 

I encourage you to consider these words. God is in control. God cares for you. God’s promises never fail. 

Put your faith in the Lord and pray without ceasing. Lift your worries and struggles to the Lord. 

Philippians 4:6-7 says  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray that you cast all your cares on Him. Look to the Lord for your strength and comfort. Allow him to be the Lord of your life. Pray without ceasing every day if you need to. Do not let the devil win and take away your witness to God and his glory. Put your faith and trust in the Lord. He is our shepherd and will leave the 99 to come after you.