A PLACE OF FAITH Dealing with Worry in Uncertain times by Pastor Bode Akindele
W
orry — simply described. Worry means to be occupied with the problems of this life. The things that worry us are often obvious global problems. To say that the whole world is charting through uncertain territories right now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic would be an accurate statement, and the attending anxiety is to be expected. Many individuals and families are faced with unusual situations that they do not know how to handle — ranging from health to finances, and marriage challenges. The governments of the world are also currently perplexed due to the mutation of the corona virus, producing variants that keep challenging the effectiveness of the vaccines, which themselves are still under trial! Frequent lockdowns make business unpredictable, while global connectivity explains the agitation of leaders of various nations. Dangers of Worry Statistics has shown that there are many people in the hospital because of stress that resulted from their worries about their families, health,
or businesses. Notice the following three things: •• Worry chokes your faith. What worry does is to make you lose that confidence and assurance — it makes you lose the hope of any possibilities coming out of negative situations that you are faced with! It suddenly seems like it is never possible to experience breakthrough in that difficult situation. Worry makes you give up your faith too soon. Heb. 11:1(NIV) says, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’. •• Worry prevents you from being a blessing to others. •• Worry takes you away from the feet of Jesus. Consider the example of Martha in Luke 10:38 – 42. Jesus said in verse 42, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things’ — instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus to build her faith like Mary chose to do. No wonder when their brother Lazarus died, the responses of Mary to Jesus’s statements were more of faith than that of Martha (Jn. 11:17 – 44).
What does God say we should do? God says clearly that we should not worry about anything. Rather, He says we should rejoice; and He went ahead to say it again, REJOICE! (Phil 4:4 – 7). I know that it does not make sense to expect you to rejoice in the face of troubles and it might even be exceedingly difficult to do so. However, let us closely consider the instruction God gives us to follow in the face of potential worries: •• Rejoice in the Lord, always. Make this a foundation for your daily attitude, no matter what comes against you. Let the fact that you belong to the Lord anchor your soul even in turmoil. •• Be careful about nothing — Do not be anxious about anything, no matter what it is. •• Engage in prayer and supplication at all times and about everything. •• Maintain the heart of thanksgiving while still in the situation. •• God promises us (verse 7) that when we do these four things, His peace that passes all understanding will garrison our hearts.
