Philippians 4:6-7

Now let us get to the important part of our consideration and see if we can discover how we can get rid of worry and live the Fret-Free Life.  Interested?  I hope so.

HOW DO WE GET RID OF WORRY?

There are some things that will not get rid of worry.  We will never be free from worry by getting into an ideal situation.  The truth is we would worry anyway if everything were perfect. Some of the people who worry the most are the people who have the least to worry about.  We will not stop worrying by simply laughing it off.  (Nor will getting drunk or high solve the problem, those will only exacerbate the problem.)

How Do We Cure Worry?  I believe the first step is to realize that a cure is possible.  It is a remedy that is taught in the Bible.  It is taught through the experiences of a myriad of saints in scripture and history. 

I can hear someone protest and say, “But Roy, you don’t know my situation or circumstances.”  You are absolutely correct, I do not, but God does!  The human author of our text scriptures was no freshman in the school of life.  He was not a raw recruit or a novice.  He had lost everything and is limping through life with a thorn in the flesh.  Here, in prison, he writes these words as he awaits trial before a bloodthirsty ruler and religious zealots.  Yet, in all that, he declares – There is a cure for Worry.  You can live the Fret-Free Life!

Another step toward finding and embracing the cure for worry is to realize that in some ways we can help ourselves.  How do we do that?  We cultivate the attitude and habit of looking for the best.  If there are two windows in your house and one looks out at a pigsty and the other a beautiful flower garden, why spend more time looking at the pigsty than the flowers? 

That is what Paul meant when he wrote Philippians 4:8 – Finally, ^[b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”

In NOTHING be anxious!  In EVERYTHING through Prayer talk to God and lay the issue before Him. Cast it on Him because He cares and is concerned about you.  It is a reasonable expectation to be anxious for NOTHING, if in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving you are making your requests known to God.  Whatever causes the anxiety is to be taken to God in prayer.  Take all those worries to God and let Him address them.  Be definitive and specific.  Present all requests to God with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.  God has pledged Himself to meet our needs.

How Will God Do That?  Either by removing that which causes you to worry or by giving you the grace to bear it.  Jesus promised, “My peace, I give to you…”  You can be like Paul in prison and sing praises to God who has everything in control.  You do not have to focus on your problems, you can focus on God who is your possibility. 

My suggestion:  Do something about the situation if you can.  But above all, take it to God in prayer.  Then allow the peace of God that passes all understanding to fill your hearts and minds.  God wants to cure your worry problem and enable you to live a Fret-Free Life.  You have to cooperate; He will not do it all for you!

God bless you as you embark on your Fret-Free Life and Live!