Worry Robs Us of Our Joy

by Cheryl L. Dunson

At some point in time, I’m sure most of us have experienced a sleepless night or two because of worry or stress.

Just recently, a good friend of mine with more than twenty-four years of working in a local school system experienced one of her worst possible fears: losing her job. In her attempts to protect an uncooperative student from being hit by a heavy door, she pulled the child across the

door’s threshold. The incident was caught on video and took on a life of its own among her peers. In educational circles, I understand treating a child like this is egregious wrongdoing and punishable by termination.

My friend arrived at our home for a long three-day weekend with the weight of the world on her shoulders and tears in her eyes. Throughout her visit, she relived the event repeatedly and asked me to pray to God for her job and her reputation. Just three years short of retirement, my friend had everything to lose.

Needless to say, the weekend was probably insufferably long for her, filled with uncertainty and dread. I continued to assure her the Lord was in control, and truth and righteousness would prevail. She left our farm with a heavy heart and incredible fear for her future.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches us seven lessons about why we shouldn’t worry. First, the same God who created life in us can be trusted with the details of our lives (6:25). Second, worrying about the future hampers our efforts for today and disrupts our productivity (6:26). Worrying is more harmful than helpful and can damage our health (6:27). God also doesn’t ignore those who depend on Him (6:28-30), and when we worry, we’re demonstrating a lack of faith in and understanding of God (6:32). Worrying keeps us from pursuing the real challenges God would prefer us chase (6:33), and finally, planning for tomorrow is time well spent while worrying about tomorrow is time wasted (6:34). Unbeknown to my friend, the school’s principal attempted to call her throughout the weekend to inform her the student’s parent supported my friend’s actions. Yet, for reasons no one can explain, the call never came through.

After four days of worry and stress, my friend learned God’s goodness and righteousness prevailed. God protected her and was in control of every detail. However, the fear of losing her job robbed my friend of the joy she should have experienced being in the company of family and friends.

God’s Word is clear: Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.