By: Cheri Fuller
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;
it empties today of its strength."
Corrie ten Boom
Worry to Wonder
In the midst of our anxious, worry-prone world, God tells us throughout scripture, more than 366 times, don’t be worried, anxious, afraid, or terrified. The One who knows the end from the beginning also knows every emotion men and women will struggle with. Although the fearsome things on this earth seem to multiply, no matter what we have to face, God’s message doesn’t change:
Now the Lord who created you. . .says, Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, Your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. . . . You are precious to me and honored, and I love you. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. (Isaiah 43:1–5 tlb)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 nasb)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27 nasb)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 nasb)
Since God tells us not to be afraid or worried, He must have some secrets for us. In the next chapter we will look at the first and most important key: focusing on the God who can calm our hearts instead of focusing on our problems, our fears, and the what-ifs.
© 2015 by Back to the Bible.
“From Replacing Worry for Wonder, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”