Are you worried about the coronavirus? Are you concerned about your physical health, your family, your finances, and your future? Are you panicked, passive, or prepared? Are you drawing fear from the world or are you drawing near to God?

In the New Testament the Greek word for worry/anxiety that was most often used is “mirimnao.” It combines two Greek words, “merizo” which means “divide” and “nous” which means “mind.”

“Mirimnao” literally means “divided mind.”

When we “worry,” or have a “divided mind,” we lose focus on God. We split, or divide, our thoughts on yesterday’s what-could-have-been’s and what-should-have-been’s and tomorrow’s worst-case-scenarios and I-hope-so’s without focusing on the ever precious right-now’s of today. Today’s peaks and valleys were designed for us to enjoy in the moment with our eyes, hearts, and minds squarely focused on Him. Worrying causes us to unnecessarily re-live the past over and over. It also causes us to pre-live the future sometimes a hundred times over (or more) before it even arrives.

WORRY IS A DOWN PAYMENT ON A PROBLEM THAT YOU MAY NEVER HAVE!

The enemy would love nothing more than for us to be looking so far behind or forward that we lose today. Don’t trip over a gravel while staring at the mountain in front of you. One of my favorite songs, “Just Be Held,” by Casting Crowns says it best…. “If you’re eyes are on the storm you’ll wonder if I love ya still, if you’re eyes are on the cross you’ll know I always have and I always will.”

So often we (and by we, I mean ME!) try to turn this stuff into rocket science. I heard someone say “sometimes we try to get so deep that we get stuck.” Time and time again during my study time God keeps directing me back to Matthew 6:33. If we follow this one simple instruction, our oft-divided minds can find peace, rest, and relief in Him … “but seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all of His righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you.” 

1 Peter 5:7 (New Living Translation)
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

Here’s the link to the above referenced song. Give it a listen…
Just Be Held by Casting Crowns w/ Lyrics: http://youtu.be/yutmTFtalKs

REMEMBER:

1. You aren’t the Savior, you’re just the steward. As the Proverb says, “Prepare for the worst, do your best, and trust God to bring the victory.

2. Look back on past struggles that God has brought you through. If He did it then, He can do it again…. and if He does it for you, He can do it for others. He is still in the miracle-working business!

3. Don’t forget to social distance! And that doesn’t mean to just stay 6 feet away from people, but draw near to God. You will release what you absorb. Absorb the word and some worship during these tough times.

4. Engage your faith. Do something kind. Smile. Say hello. Text a friend. Call your neighbor. Unplug your tech for a while. IF YOU SEE A NEED, MEET A NEED.

I want to reassure you, God can use our present challenges to change us forever. Use this uncertain time to allow Him to make beauty from ashes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow your faith!

Have a great day free of worry, anxiety, & concern because rest assured, God’s got our backs (and our fronts).

Pastor Matt

The Table