“Do not be 1anxious [worry] about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and appealing to God, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Then God’s peace, which GOES BEYOND ANYTHING WE CAN IMAGINE, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
1merimnaō: to be anxious, to be troubled with cares, to worry. Worrying is being overly concerned about a situation or problem. With excessive worrying, our mind and body go into overdrive as we constantly focus on “what might happen.” During excessive worrying, we may suffer with high anxiety — even panic — during waking hours. Many chronic worriers tell of feeling a sense of impending doom or unrealistic fears that only increase their worries. Ultra-sensitive to their environment and to the criticism of others, excessive worriers may see anything — and anyone — as a potential threat. Chronic worrying can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety.
The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can increase blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. Elevated levels of another stress hormone, adrenaline, have been shown to be directly toxic to cells of the brain and immune system. The hormones have been shown to also cause physical reactions. That’s why Jesus said:
“Therefore I tell you, DO NOT WORRY about your life… Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?… But 2SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS…” (Matt. 6:25, 27, 33)
2zēteō: to crave or demand something. So, God wants us to focus all our energy, seeking His Kingdom and just where is His Kingdom?
“The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed…the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU.” (Luke 17:20, 21)
Not only that: “…the kingdom of God is…righteousness and PEACE and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:17)
A few years back I volunteered to teach at our alternative school for students who were expelled from regular high school, what an awakening! We were informed that most of these students were ordered by a judge to be there, and normal “rules” did not apply, there language and attitude were my problem. So, during my first week, a student I asked to do something and he began to curse me and then others joined in! I confess, I was worried, I gave them their work assignment, sat at my desk and in my heart cried out to God “WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH THESE HEATHENS?” the Lord spoke to me words I hope to never forget “Bill, BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD, I will be exalted among the heathen!” (Psalms 46:10). Oh, what a wonderful peace came over me, I repented for my worry and the next morning I arrived early with my oil and anointed the door posts, each chair, table where the students sit, my desk and me! Trusting God for a miracle! I met the students at the door, shook their hands and welcomed them – what a difference prayers and trust do make. From that point, several students received the Lord and the student that started all this became one of my best students and when he “graduated” the Lord provided him with a job!!!
“Trust in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL YOUR WAYS submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
We belong to God, so, let’s trust Him…Bill Stockham