What Does Worry Accomplish?

Choosing Thoughts That Promote Peace

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

I wasted many years of my life worrying about things that I could do nothing about. I would like to have those years back and be able to approach them in a different way.

My husband, on the other hand, never worried. There was a time when I would get angry at him because he would not worry with me—and join me in talking about all the gloomy possibilities if God did not come through and meet our needs. Needless to say, I was always miserable, and he was always happy.

Webster defines the word worry as “to afflict with mental distress or agitation: make anxious.”1 I have also heard it defined as to torment oneself with disturbing thoughts.

When I saw the part about tormenting oneself with disturbing thoughts, I decided right then that I am smarter than that! I believe every Christian is. Worry certainly never makes anything better, so why not give it up?

You see, it is absolutely impossible to worry and live in peace at the same time. Peace is not something that can be put on a person—it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Peace is present within us, but it must be chosen over what our mind thinks. We can choose to be peaceful by choosing to think on things that promote peace rather than things that open a door for worry and anxiety.

When you’re tempted to worry—when your mind wants to keep thinking about all of the “what ifs” and the worst that can happen, decide to change the subject and think about what God says.

For instance, maybe you are concerned about finances or meeting your needs. You’ve done all you know to do, and you are being responsible, but you just can’t seem to “turn off” your mind. It’s at these times when you need to read and ponder Scriptures like Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC):

…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]

Take a moment right now to let that sink in. Don’t you feel better already? And the more you fill your mind with what God says, the more His Word will pop up in your thoughts when you’re tempted to worry.

So, what does worry accomplish? Nothing good, that’s for certain! But choosing to trust God and fill your mind with His Word will bring peace to your mind and heart.

1. merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worry

Study Tip: Read the following Scriptures: Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6. Write down in your own words what each of these passages teach us about worry.

Walk It Out: Isaiah 26:3 (AMPC) promises this: You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

I want you to try this. The next time you are tempted to worry, take a few moments to sit and focus your mind on God. Tell Him that You trust Him, and ask for His peace in the midst of what you’re dealing with.