Wait Or Worry?

What is the opposite of worry? If worry is destructive, then what can be put in its place? You tend to worry about what you think is uncertain. But being certain about what will come won’t help. First, because no one can be certain about what the next minute or hour will bring. Then, secondly, if you did know what was going to happen next you would probably worry about that.

We still need a replacement for worry. God says that the opposite of worry is to wait on him. If you learn anything from the Bible, it is that tomorrow is uncertain. No one knows what tomorrow will bring in terms of events and circumstances. But what you do know is that God will be faithful to do what he has planned and promised.

So while you do not know the particulars about tomorrow, you can wait in eager expectation that God will be faithful to his word no matter what happens. Here is the question; is that enough for you? Let’s consider some of God’s promises and then ask this question again:

God has promised that he will love you.
Is that enough for you?

God has promised that vengeance is his and he will repay.
Is that enough for you?

God has promised that he will turn sorrow into gladness.
Is that enough for you?

God has promised that he will never leave you or forsake you.
Is that enough for you?

God says that he knows what you need and will provide it.
Is that enough for you?

If you obey first and seek God’s kingdom then instead of worry, you can wait on the faithfulness of God.

You can replace worry and doubt with waiting upon your God! Waiting upon the faithfulness of God turns life into a journey of trust and rest.

Consider patience in this light. Patience means that you are living in the expectation of God’s care. Waiting is not passive. Waiting on God means you know his care will be exactly as he has determined, delivered at exactly the right time.

Of this, you can be sure.

Psalm 130:5-7
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.

Matthew 6:31-34
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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