Don’t Worry, Be…

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NIV)

Some people are more prone to worry than others. You know who you are…

But all of us worry from time to time. We worry about children. We worry about what we will eat and what we will wear.

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV)

When we worry, we demonstrate a lack of trust in our heavenly Father. That is not so say that we cannot be concerned when there is a death, illness or job loss. God expects us to be sad or curious about an outcome to a situation.

Worry, however, takes our sadness or concern and places it at the fore front. Our concern about the situation is placed above our trust in God.

When our trust in God is central, God will keep our hearts occupied with a gladness of heart that springs from a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Are you worried today? If so, trust in God. Experience His joy and peace.



By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the Communications Coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She has the joy of teaching the 6^th grade girls on Sunday morning. Her awesome husband is Jeff, and she is the proud mother of Christopher and Elizabeth.