Defeating the Joy-Robber, Worry

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

Have you ever noticed how far and how fast worry can take you down the path of despair? There’s nothing like imaging tragic calamities to rob whatever joy you may otherwise be experiencing. The devil always strikes at the time when distracting me from God’s truth stands to weaken my faith if left unchecked. It happened this morning in church when I was feeling a bit lonely, and vulnerable.

Jon works a rotating shift which often prevents him from attending service with me. Many Sundays I am unaffected by worshiping without my husband beside me, but this was not one of them. No sooner had the singing begun when my mind spiraled with thoughts of doom. “What will I do if something happens to Jon? How will I manage life as a widow? Is this a vision of more lonely church services to come?”

Taking inventory, I knew what prompted these fears of dread. Some were founded in the reality of close friends who have recently lost their spouse through death or divorce. Such catastrophes often lead to quiet introspection and empathy whenever I try to place my own feet in the shoes being worn by another. That is not a bad thing as it can make me more compassionate toward their suffering. After all, it could be my grief today instead of theirs. But I was also aware Satan was attacking me. Worry is his tactic, not God’s.

Presently Jon and I are healthy and so is our marriage. It’s only God’s grace that keeps us from facing a heartbreaking trial, and we don’t know when one will come. I am not a worrier by nature. This does not mean I never think about death of a loved one, serious illness or job loss. I have lived through all of these. But to devote energy to something that is not happening now is not only a waste of time, it’s sinful. Worry does not improve life. It only serves to stifle creativity, and hope, and to drown out God’s voice when we most need to hear Him.

Worry shows a lack of trust in the Lord’s provision and fosters doubt in His authority over my life. When I’m fretting over problems (real or imagined) my mind is focused on my own limited capacity to “handle” the situation. No wonder I’m frightened! If I am “fixed” on God’s immeasurable power I will see earthly hardships are meant for my Christ-like character development. I am a conqueror in the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is beyond God’s reach to heal and restore.

Many times Jon and I talk about what life would be like solo. If God takes me first Jon says he would spend the insurance money on therapy because he’d be so heartbroken. Should the reverse scenario occur, I’d spend the money on contract services whenever something broke. Jon is very handy—he can fix anything! I am mechanically challenged to say the least.

Truth be told, I would grieve terribly if Jon goes before me. I am crazy about my husband, and we’ve only had eight years together. When you marry later in life you realize how precious your time is. Would I be scared, lonely, and anxious if I were a widow? Yes, I would. But praise God I do not have to remain stuck in those thoughts and emotions! I can choose to meditate on God’s Word and let Him comfort my troubled soul, and bring helpers into my life. He can do that for you, too.

Peace through an intimate relationship with Christ squelches worry. Death will come to all, but it holds no victory. Jesus conquered it, so we have nothing to fear! I don’t know when He will call us home to be with Him. Until that day I am going to enjoy the blessing of my beloved husband, and my trusted Savior who brought us together. What will you choose? Worry or joy? Satan’s lies or Christ’s truth? “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary