Does faith in God replace worry?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I am a worrier by nature. My grandmother tells me that worry will make me old before my time. She says faith in God replaces worry, so why are people so resistant to trusting God? -- D.G.
A: We live in an era that many refer to as "the age of anxiety." Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God and His will for us. When we make anything else our goal, frustration and defeat are inevitable. Though we have less to worry about than previous generations, we have more worry. Though we have it easier than our forefathers, we have more uneasiness. Though we have less real cause for anxiety than our predecessors, we are inwardly more anxious.
Calloused hands were the badge of the pioneer, but a furrowed brow is the insignia of the present generation. This brings about friction and conflict. God has never promised to remove all of our troubles, problems, and difficulties. But God has promised, in the midst of trouble, a genuine peace, a sense of assurance and security for those who turn to Him by faith.
Many people are resistant to exchanging worry for faith because they often don't truly believe in God. He is the One who gives us faith to believe and to trust Him if we will only submit our wills to Him. Corrie ten Boom used to say, "Worry is a lot like a rocking chair. A lot of effort goes into it but you don't get very far." The Bible says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" (Philippians 4:6, NLT). Ask the Lord to help you keep your eyes centered on Him rather than yourself and your worries. Faith in Him will give you peace of mind.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
