Published April 14, 2024
by Andy Berges
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In Matthew 6:34 Jesus advises his disciples, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
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To most of us, that’s much easier said than done. With bills perpetually due, health problems, and a multitude of other issues to be concerned about in our lives, it’s challenging for most of us to neutralize worrisome thoughts.
However, excessive worrying can have harmful effects on our mental, emotional, and physical health.
When we are idle or not being productive, our chances of worrying increase. As the saying goes, “An idle mind and hands are the Devil’s workshop and tools.” A prime example of this is when worry often creeps into our thoughts when we lay in bed at night before going to sleep and again when we wake in the morning.​
One great way to eliminate worrisome thoughts is to pray before going to sleep and to pray again the moment we wake up because it is impossible for one to pray and worry simultaneously.
When we wake up in the morning, we should immediately get out of bed and spring into action rather than allow thoughts of worry to enter our minds. As Dale Carnegie wisely stated, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.”
We often worry about future worst-case scenarios that only exist in our imaginations. These scenarios rarely materialize and cause us to miss out on enjoying the present.
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Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 6:25-27 when he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life. Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life.”
Occasional anxious feelings about the future are normal, but worrying excessively can have detrimental effects on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. So whenever worrisome thoughts become overwhelming, keep Philippians 4:6-7 in mind…
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”