Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other.
– John MacArthur
I am a sinner. This isn’t news, but I just thought I’d state that up front. Tonight I am worried — about a variety of things. Will my next jewelry show be enough to pay the bills? What if only a few show up? What if I don’t get any bookings?
I’ve spent some time reading about worry, and how to respond to it. Much of the information was helpful. Some of the better articles:
Do I trust God? If worry is a lack of trust, then the answer is no, because I am seriously worried. How can this be remedied? I don’t know. (If you know, please tell me in the comments section).
Pray as if everything depended on God. Work as if everything depended on you.
– Augustine of Hippo
I like Augustine’s quote. I can’t say that I trust God to make everything alright. But I can pray and work. I feel that this is a balanced approach to faith and trusting God. It’s one that I can try. Perhaps the act of working toward a solution makes me feel that I am giving God something to work with. I like to be proactive and doing all that I can makes me feel like I am actively awaiting help from God. (And hoping that it comes!)
Working toward a solution also occupies my mind. Time spent looking for employment is time that I’m not worrying about not having a full time job. It is productive, and being productive has a calming effect on me.
What are your thoughts about worry? What do you do to keep worry under control? I would love to read your responses in the comments section.
