“Do not be anxious (merimnaō: to be troubled with cares, to 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) 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 SEEK (zēteō: to crave or demand something) FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS…” (Matt. 6:25, 27, 33) 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)
RIGHTEOUSNESS JOY AND PEACE, IN ME…WOW!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham