Connections: Worry and Fear

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt 6:27)

“We want a man hag-ridden by the Future—haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth.” ~ Letter XV, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

“Worry is the warning light that God has been shoved to the sideline.”
~ The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren


I once read a list of life lessons written by a woman 100 years old. She said, “Whenever you worry about something, ask yourself: Is this going to matter in 6 months? 2 years?”

That’s solid advice, and it will save you a good deal of emotional energy if you live by it, but what about those things that will matter in 2 years? Career choices, finding your significant other, settling down, having kids, raising kids… Regardless of where you fall in that line-up, we all have milestones and long-term goals. Big ones. Ones to worry about, right?

Perhaps. Worry in small doses is merely caution—in greater quantities, it becomes fear. And that is a problem. As Christians, God calls us to live in hope, not fear. What do we have to fear? Perfect love casts out all fear. A perfect God casts out all fear.

Jesus said to his disciples, on the Sea of Galilee, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

We all struggle with fear. As humans, we suffer from finite knowledge, finite control, and a finite lifespan—all worrisome qualities in their own right. But God knows this. He understands, and he encourages us again and again. “Fear not!” “Do not fear!” The Bible is filled with these reminders. Ironically, they appear most often when God or his angels show up to help!

As this “Future” series comes to a close, reflect on your goals, your views on the future, and your own fears. Maybe there’s an issue gnawing at your heart that you’ve never given thought, or a worry that keeps you up at night. Let it go! Trust in the Lord to guide you. Remember, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6, KJV).

I leave you with another of my favorite verses:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)