Worry

A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future. Scripture indicates that such anxiety is ultimately grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purposes.

The causes of worry

Being world-centred

Matthew 6:25 parallel Luke 12:22 See also Matthew 6:34, Matthew 13:22 parallels Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14; Luke 12:29, Luke 21:34; 1 Corinthians 7:33

Therefore I tell you, 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?

Lacking confidence in God

John 14:1 See also Matthew 6:26–32 parallel Luke 12:27–30; Matthew 8:25 parallels Mark 4:38, Luke 8:24; Matthew 14:31, Matthew 16:8

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

Abandoning God

Deuteronomy 28:64–65 See also Lamentations 1:3; Ezekiel 4:16–17, Ezekiel 12:19

Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul.

Worry leads people away from God

Psalm 37:8 See also Proverbs 12:25; Matthew 13:22 parallel Luke 8:14; Luke 10:40–42

Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret— it can only bring harm.

Worry is futile

Matthew 6:27 parallel Luke 12:25 See also Ecclesiastes 2:22–23

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Remedies for worry

Being God-centred

Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 6:33 parallel Luke 12:31 See also Jeremiah 17:7–8; Romans 8:6

You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Prayer

Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6–7 See also Psalm 94:18–19, Psalm 139:23; 1 Peter 5:7

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.