How many people have been robbed of peace and fulfillment because of worry! In fact, worry even has physical consequences, and, while medicine can remove the symptoms, it cannot remove the cause. Worry is an “inside job.” You can purchase “sleep” at the drugstore, but you cannot purchase “rest.”

If Paul had wanted to worry, he had plenty of occasions. He was a political prisoner facing possible execution.

His friends in Rome were divided in their attitudes toward his case. He had no mission board supporting him and no Legal Aid Society defending him.

But in spite of all these difficulties, Paul did not worry! Instead, he wrote a letter filled with joy and told us how to stop worrying.

How do we capture this thief and keep it from taking away the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ? The answer is: we must cultivate the right kind of mind. If outlook determines outcome, then the attitude of mind that we cultivate will determine our joy or lack of it.

Verse for today: “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

Also consider: Psalm 56:3-4; Romans 8:15.

Action assignment: Fear and worry are akin to each other. The best antidote to fear is faith. Make a list of the things, people, and circumstances which cause you to worry. Then commit each one to God in prayer for His will to be done. Make faith a fact that eliminates worry and fear.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in