WORRY
Worry is a destructive, unhealthy activity. On the other hand, concern is a healthy, God centered activity that enables you to move forward through difficulties. Worry and concern both have two things in common: they both can be painful and intense. Let's look at paying your bills as an example. You can worry about the improbable possibility of of not being able to pay them and losing everything, or you can be concerned and look at all the possible alternatives you can think of. This might include budgeting, talking to friends and counselors, reading advice books, or praying for insight.
Renewing Your Mind teaches new tools that will break the worry cycle and free you from destructive worry.
Here are some scripture verses to get you started:
(All quotations are from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.)
Worry causes unneeded burden.
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25.
Bad news can trigger worry.
"Hamath and Arpad are dismayed, for they have heard bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea."
Jeremiah 49:23ff.
Some of us are prone to worry more than others.
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things.."
Luke 10:41.
Worry is habitual. Worriers will always find something terrible to ruminate on.
When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel's tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, 'The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, "What shall I do about my son?"
1 Sam 10:2.
Sometimes doubting can be healthy, but if it stems from worry it can cause us to stumble.
But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Rom 14:23.
Christians are commanded to stop worrying.
And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
Luke 12:29.
Worry does not solve problems.
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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Matthew 6:25
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
Worry distracts from Bible teaching.
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.
Matt 13:22
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
Luke 8:14
Therefore, blessing from God includes freedom from worry.
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord."
Jeremiah 17:7-8
This verse teaches the difference between a growing and a mature believer.
Worry is forbidden.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7.
Ask God in prayer for anything. When you get Bible teaching under your belt you won't worry so much anyway.
Other worry verses:
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Ps 55:22
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
