Fear Vs Worry
Fear is a natural emotion and it can act as a motivation to take precautionary steps. Fear is considered to be beneficial if it causes one to take safety measures or to prepare for a possible threat in the future. Worrying is different from fear as it is an anxious state of mind that is characterised by accompanied by a sense of dread, uncertainty and helplessness.
The bible has plenty to say about the sin of worry and admonishes people to not worry but to leave their fate in the hands of the Lord. In one of the bible verses, Jesus said “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 than food, and the body more than clothes? Lk. 12:22-23” This verse emphasises that one should avoid worrying about materialistic things and focus on more important matters.
In the book of Philippians, it says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7” This bible verse outlines the importance of prayer and reminds people to trust in the Lord, to present their petitions and to have faith.
The bible also gives instructions on how not to worry. In the book of Matthew, it is written “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Mt. 6:34” This is a reminder that one should only think about the present and try to keep their minds occupied with useful activities.
The Power of Faith
Worrying can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical health, resulting in various undesirable side effects such as depression and anxiety. The bible encourages people to take refuge in the Lord and to have faith that all their worries and anxieties will subside. In the book of Mark it states “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Lk. 6:27-28” This bible verse conveys that loving and praying for one’s enemies can help ease anxieties and bring peace of mind.
Another bible verse from the book of Psalms says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Ps. 37:7” This verse is meant to be a reminder to rely on God and to express one’s worries and fears in prayer. It also reassures one that God will answer all prayers and grant peace of mind to those who seek it.
The bible also speaks about the power of faith in challenging situations. In the book of Hebrews, it is written “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Heb. 11:1” This verse proves that faith can help people cope with difficult life events and brings reassurance that even the darkest times have the light of faith.
Resting in God’s Peace
The bible encourages people not to worry, to rely on the Lord and have faith in difficult times. In the book of Isaiah it states “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Is. 26:3” This is a conversation between the Lord and the believer and it is a reminder that God is always present and even in the midst of unrest and tribulation, he will always provide comfort and peace.
The book of John says “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. Jn. 14:1” This bible verse serves as a reminder that God is always by our side and that one should put their faith in the Lord even when life seems difficult and bleak.
The bible also speaks about the importance of resting in God’s peace and trust in His plan. In the book of Romans, it states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:28” This verse gives comfort to believers, reminding them that God is always in charge of the present and the future and that he will take care of all their needs and worries if only they trust in him.
Learning to be Patient
The bible encourages people to remain patient and to trust in the Lord’s timing. In the book James, it says “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Jam. 4:2-3” This bible verse serves as a caution that one should always approach God with a humble and open heart, because only then will he answer one’s prayers.
Another bible verse from the book of Proverbs states “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6” This scripture serves as a reminder to be patient and to understand that God will provide if only one trusts in him and has faith in difficult times.
The bible also assures people that God will never forsake them and that he will provide comfort and peace in every situation. In the book of Isaiah, it is written “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Is. 11:4” This bible verse is a reminder of the unconditional love and protection of the Lord, which he provides to all believers.
Avoiding Discouragement
The bible encourages people to be patient and to keep their faith alive in the face of challenges and trials. In the book of Galatians, it is stated “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Gal. 5:1-2” This bible verse speaks of the power of faith and the rewards that come from it, namely perseverance in difficult times.
The book of Ecclesiastes also states “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecc. 4:9-10” This bible verse speaks of the importance of relying on one another in times of distress and how the strength of another can help get through difficult times.
The bible also speaks of avoiding discouragement and celebration the faith of others. In the book of Romans, it is written “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13” This verse reminds the believer to stay optimistic and have faith that God will lead them to a better place.
Turning to the Lord
The bible encourages people to turn to the Lord instead of worrying and to put their trust in him. In the book of Psalms, it states “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Ps. 55:22” This bible verse is a reminder to believers to turn to the Lord for strength and guidance and that the Lord is always there to provide comfort and assurance in moments of distress.
The book of Isaiah also says “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Is. 43:5-6” This scripture serves as an assurance that God will never leave us and that he will always be there to protect, guide and provide comfort.
The bible emphasises the importance of leaving our worries in God’s hands and turning to him in times of distress. In the book of Proverbs, it is written “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:5-6” This bible verse serves as a reminder to rely on the Lord and to put faith in Him, knowing that He will lead us in the right direction.
Praising God
The bible also speaks about the importance of praising God for His goodness and mercy. In the book of Psalms, it says “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. Ps. 95:2” This bible verse emphasises the importance of praising God and thanking Him for all He has done for us.
The book of Romans also states “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Rom. 15:4” This bible verse serves to remind us of the importance of never giving up and praising God even in the darkest moments.
The bible encourages people to have faith in the Lord and to praise His name. In the book of Ephesians, it is written “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Ps. 34:1” This scripture serves to remind us of the importance of giving thanks for all that we have and to never forget to give thanks for all the blessings we receive from the Lord.
Living by Faith
The bible has plenty to say about the sin of worrying and encourages people to rely on the Lord and have faith in difficult times. In the book of Matthew, it says “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Mt. 6:25” This bible verse reminds us that the Lord is our provider and that we should not worry about material things.
The book of James also states “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Jam. 1:6-7” This scripture serves as a reminder that one should always approach the Lord in faith and to trust in His plan, knowing that He will take care of all our worries and anxieties.
The bible encourages us to lead our lives by faith and to put our trust in the Lord. In the book of Romans, it is written
