God Rocks #20: Finding Release from Worry

Part of the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of the awesome blessings God gives us each day. I hope it encourages you today!

An epidemic of worry is raging.

Sales of anxiety and depression medication have increased exponentially over the last several years. Today they drive billions in revenue.

And that’s only a slice of those suffering from worry and anxiety.

Photo Credit: Leonard Farshore

What about just your garden variety? Worrying about losing your job? Worrying about your struggling child? Worrying about the questionable results of your lab report? Worrying about how to keep your marriage together?

And how do we fix those? Sometimes a little too much alcohol. Staying absorbed in way too much TV. Racing from church service to service. Working ourselves to a frazzle. Or just trying to ignore the problems.

But at some point when the buzz and distraction wears off the problems still loom and the worry creeps in again.

I know I’ve lived there. Heck, occasionally I still live there.

That’s why I find Jesus’ words so arresting.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NASB)

Wait. What? “But Jesus you don’t understand the problem I’m facing. How can you say ‘Don’t worry’?”

Yet he says exactly that.

And when I’m most distressed I find he meets me in the midst and helps me overcome worry.

I remember that I’ve given him my life to lead and bless. And he’s done a pretty good job so far.

And what I’ve discovered when faced with overwhelming challenges is a way out of the worry.

No, most of the time not instantaneously. But overtime I gain insights into how to resolve the issues. Or at least take the next step.

And I remember the times when I faced difficulties before and by the time the crisis would have come it’s already been resolved. In fact often to the point I’ve forgotten I ever worried.

And I’ve found from day one of entering into my relationship with Jesus an amazing peace that often makes no sense based on what I’m going through. Yet, it’s still there giving me a foundation to build on. And releasing me from the tyranny of worry.

Frankly, this has been one of the most amazing gifts I’ve received and one that lets me know over and over God is real and his Spirit lives in me.

We can’t free ourselves from worry but there is one who can.

How have you found release from worry?