Week 2 - Casting Our Worries on Him...

Worry implies the absence of trust in God

This statement is such a humbling realization. I often worry so much and trust God so little. Sometimes I think that people just worry, it's what we all do. While it may be true that humans worry, God says to trust Him and cast our worries on Him. As I was planning for our meeting, I realized that I label myself as a worrier. I've held an unconscious belief that a worrier is who I am and it's just what I do. But as we explored this topic I discovered that God didn't create me that way. I was created to live in peace with my Creator. Worrying is something that we do when we're not trusting God.

Eating disorders are fueled by constant worry. These worries, our "triggers" are what take us from unhealthy thoughts into destructive behaviors of binging, purging and restricting. On a large posterboard we listed some of our "triggers." Our list included family situations, school stress, food, being alone, feeling that we're not good enough, and change.

So, what exactly does the Bible say about worrying?

1. Worrying accomplishes nothing - Worrying steals our time

"Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life? Why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are." Matthew 6:27-29

2. Worrying is not good for you - It can make us physically sick

"Worry weighs a person down, but an encouraging word cheers a person up." Proverbs 12:25

3. Worrying is the opposite of trusting God - God promises us peace if we do 3 things. If we 1) give up our worry, 2) pray about everything, and 3) thank Him for what He has done, He promises us a peace that will guard our heart and minds.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

4. Worrying puts your focus in the wrong direction - God has a plan for our lives and He promises to take care of our every need. We have nothing to worry about!

"So don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
Matthew 6:31-33

Even though Scripture tells us not to worry, we often find ourselves doing it. We continue worrying because the lies of this world have become strongholds in our mind. A stronghold is a place that is well defended; a fortress. For a long time we have self defended the beliefs we have in our minds. It's time to destroy those lies and for God to renew our minds!

To destroy strongholds in our minds we need to give God control of our thoughts. We can set our minds on Godly things when we repent of our actions, renounce the lies we are believing, renew our minds, and resist further temptation. It is a lie that God is anything less than pure and perfect and that He cannot be trusted. Instead, we can accept the Truth that God has been, and always will be, pure, perfect and trustworthy.

God is completely trustworthy. He promises us peace, security, comfort, peace, love, and contentment when we trust in Him. Why would we worry when we can cast all of our anxiety on Him? (1 Peter 5:7) Give your worry to Him today and experience His good, pleasing and perfect will for your life (Romans 12:2).