Worry

Worry.

I worry.

Worry has been in my vocabulary since I was a child. The youngest of six, I remember worrying as a kindergartener that my family wouldn’t have enough food to go around. I remember worrying every day in junior high that the four bullies of my class would go beyond the normal name calling, the usual stomach punching, the occasional spitting in the face, and finish me off—leaving me for dead. I remember worrying that high school would simply be a repeat of junior high, if not much worse. I remember worrying that I would end up dying penniless, alone, and despised.

Worry.

I worry.

Worry stems from fear -- a monster that has terrorized me for years. That monster often takes the form of poverty, loneliness, singleness, insignificance, inadequacy, the unknown, death . . . It has tantalized me through automobile accidents, the loss of loved ones, the loss of amazing opportunities in this life, and the like.

Worry.
Should I worry?

As I reflect on my tendency to live in the den of worry and fear, it dawns on me that Christ offers me another choice. He has offered me a ticket to enter a new place where sheer contentment reigns all day, every day—the land of Never mind. Such a habitat inspires me to shun idolatry jealously, to flee temptation earnestly, to guard the path of humble obedience diligently, and to cling to God’s sufficiency  feverishly come rain or shine.

Here is a clear portrait of that special abode:

Never mind about self—Living is all about God first, then others.

Never mind about the feats of others—God's grace is sufficient; all else is lust.

Never mind about lust—It will never satisfy like love can; without love, what remains is lack.

Never mind about lack—There is no such thing, only blessings (those tend to bring about fame).

Never mind about fame—It is here today, flatters one's ego for a short while, and then goes away tomorrow.

Never mind about tomorrow—Today has enough troubles of its own.

And the troubles of today are oh so plentiful! 

There is always someone or something that inspires concern at best and trepidation at worst in my heart. Issues causing me unrest seem to multiply daily and I am often tempted to rush and devise a plan to do away with the object(s) of my worry. Fight or flight being the name of the game, I lie to myself thinking that I could either conquer my fear in my own strength or that I could outrun the hounding beast.

The truth of God's Word suggests a course that is altogether different:

Never mind . . . 
No fretting . . .
No fearing . . .

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

That is why we are not afraid even when the earth quakes

or the mountains topple into the depths of the sea."

Psalm 46:1-2, ESV 

I need not worry.

I need not fear.

I need not lose sleep over circumstances outside of my control or choice.

Grace invites me to worship instead—I need only be content, grateful, humble, and receptive because God is sovereign and supplies richly. In fact, "Through Christ, God has blessed [me] with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer" (Ephesians 1:3, ESV). 

That is why I now aim to live in the land of Never mind. I have learned that my worrying will supply me with neither shelter nor clothing; it will neither diminish nor eradicate the troubles I face. It certainly cannot add a single minute to my life. 

So, today, I say to one and all: 

Come now. 
Exit the den of worry and fear.
Come to the land of Nevermind with me.

Therein you will find the secret to contentment.

Lord, I offer You my exhaustion. All my striving, fretting, planning, worrying, manipulating, or rearranging achieves one thing only -- bringing my heart to the realization that ultimate peace is found in relinquishing all control to You.

I offer You my heart. All my running, wandering, leaving, gallivanting, roaming, cruising, sailing, straying, stumbling, walking away from You accomplishes one feat only -- bringing my mind to the conclusion that belief in You, the One sent from the Father, is the only salve for my bleeding soul. I need You and You alone to satisfy me and purge the poison of worry out of me. May I quit worrying and commence worshiping You, O Christ! Amen.