Worry is the enemy of the mind

As I was musing the other day, a phrase came into my mind. I don’t know whether it was just me or the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but the words “worry is the enemy of the mind came to mind.” I thought about it and yes I think we can all agree that worry does not actually benefit the human soul at all. It just wraps us in an endless trap of rehearsing endless scenarios and what if’s that may never come to pass. Just endless panic on our part.

Jesus and Paul have a lot to say about worry. Here’s what Jesus said about it!

Matthew 6:25-34 The Message

25-26 “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. 27-29 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. 30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for your words about worry. We all have many concerns but we hope and pray that you will intervene in our situations and help us to take strength from your words of wisdom and grace. In Jesus name amen.

image title: worry not! Illustrated by Maggi O

Lead us to still and quiet waters.. Oh Lord..