Worry

August 30, 2016
 
                                                             Worry
I have a new neighbor who works for the IRS.  He tells me preachers are high on their list of suspected tax dodgers, so I am trying to be on my best behavior.  Actually, he says they rarely go after small church pastors - not enough money to bother.

Most of us get nervous just thinking about taxes.  I have a friend who was audited by the IRS several years ago.  Once he got the letter announcing the audit, he was an emotional wreck for weeks.  How could he afford to pay a huge bill?  What if he ended up owing thousands?  He could see his kid’s college fund and his retirement evaporating into thin air.  Maybe he would even end up going to jail.  His girls would be without a father.  His church would be without a pastor.  His wife might leave him for someone who was a better provider (and knew their way around a form 1040). 

When it was all said and done, turns out his worrying was all for naught.  The IRS ended up owning him a sizable refund.  So often we are guilty of doing the same thing.  We worry.  We fret, even though the Bible tells us not to.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; (Psalms 37:1)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

I heard a well-known psychologist once say that “worry is a totally non-productive emotion.”  Anger will sometimes stir us to action.  Fear will cause us to run faster.  Love will inspire us to make great sacrifices.  But worry accomplishes absolutely nothing. 

Besides as Christians, we’ve got nothing to worry about.  Our God is in control.  We can trust in Him.  If He takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field we can trust Him to take care of us (see Matthew 6: 25-34).

Here’s to a stress-free worry-free day. 

Have a great week!
Pastor Barry