Worry: What God says about it

It's hard not to worry in these tough economic times. In the Andren family, our income has dropped even though my husband is still working. He's a semi driver and gets paid by the mile. If he doesn't drive, he doesn't get paid. People are buying less which translates into less freight needing to be moved. Layoffs are common all over the country and people are losing their homes. So, as believers, what should we do?

Matthew 6:27 asks us "who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Yes, we're going through tough times but worrying about them won't change anything except possibly making us sick.
Verse 33 gives us advice on what to do "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." So many times I have asked God for things but have skipped this very important command. We're to seek Him first. To me, that means spending time with Him every day, not just when I'm in trouble.

Finally, verse 34 tells us "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
How many nights have I lost sleep worrying about something that may not even happen?

I am going to take these verses and apply them to all areas of my life as I worry about a lot more than finances. I worry about my 21 year old daughter's relationship with Jesus. I worry about my 15 year old son and the peer pressure he faces while trying to walk with the Lord. I worry about my 12 year old daughter and the rumors that are flying around about her. I worry about my husband's safety out on the road. God's Word tells me that I can't change a thing by worrying. What I can do is lay these burdens at His feet and then quit trying to take them back again. So, instead of worrying, I'm going to go to the Throne of God. I know there will be times when I'll still worry but hopefully I'll remember these verses and nip it in the bud. The enemy has stolen way too many nights of sleep from me. It has to stop.