As a child, I learned the art of worrying from my mother (worrying can be an art, right?) It was as if by worrying (or ruminating) about something long enough and frantically enough, whatever I was worrying about wouldn’t happen. In other words, worrying was the key! So, I didn’t worry just about the “big” things; I worried about anything. If I couldn’t find anything to worry about, then I was really worried! Endless “what ifs” would swirl in my mind, imagining any possible negative outcome. I don’t know why, but positive outcomes were never part of the possibilities.
But God says, “Do not worry.” That’s not a suggestion; that’s a command. Seriously, God? How am I supposed to not worry? Worrying keeps at least some bad things from happening!
The key is meditating on the One I trust. God is sovereign, over everything. Period. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). Psalm 143:5 states three ways we can keep our minds steadfast: remember the days of old; meditate on all He has done; and ponder the work of His hands. When I do these things, not worrying is a natural by-product. By soaking in His presence and meditating on His Word, my mind is continuously transformed and renewed; my habit of worrying has dissolved. Knowing He is in control of outcomes gives me great peace. I have nothing to worry about anymore.
