The Christian's Attitude Toward Trials

It is a fact that Christian’s will have trials and problems at various times in life. This is evident from the teachings of the Bible and from everyday experience. No one escapes them. James says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). When a temptation comes that we are able to withstand, or resist, then we have become stronger. We can expect the hills and valleys of life, as well as the pleasant things. Christians learn to understand this and make use of them. Difficulties can either make us bitter or they can be used as steps to higher ground. They can either drag us down, or they can strengthen us. If we look beyond, up the hill, and say “I can’t climb it,” then we are defeated. However, if we say, “I can climb it,” then we become stronger in the process of our continued success.

Don’t Worry About Tomorrow

We are taught by the Bible to “...not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). If we will put off that “worry” until tomorrow, then it probably will never happen. We will not have anything to worry about. The things we worry about usually never happens. There is no use to borrow trouble from tomorrow, for “sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Take care of the present, those things in which we can control, and let tomorrow take care of itself. If we will seek the kingdom first, we will not have the “worries” that frustrate us in this materialistic society. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). 

Physical Distress Due to Worry

The command to “not be anxious” comes from the Lord. There is so much worry and frustration in our society that doctors tell us that about half of their patients are not physically ill, but are suffering from mental anguish, often times as a result of excessive worry. Many people worry, fret, fear, and doubt over so many things that it is no wonder so many are mentally exhausted which affects them physically. One day when Jesus was taking a ride with His disciples on a boat, strong winds began, and Jesus was asleep. They woke up Jesus because they were all afraid. Jesus asked, “...Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Our fears, doubts, worry, and frustrations can be cured in Christ, as we listen to His word, trust His will, and obey His commands.

Nothing Good Comes from Worrying

When we worry, there is nothing to be gained. Worry does no good, and it does a great deal of harm. Worry decays the mind, wastes time, robs God of good workers, and causes an employee to be inefficient. Many people worry about the future which most all the time nothing ever happens. When we worry about the past, there is nothing that can be done about it. When we open up our Bible and study the words of Jesus, we can gain the peace of mind that Jesus wants us to have. Think about the following important words that Jesus said about worrying. “Then He said to His disciples, Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Luke 12:22-28). We must all stop “worrying” and let the trials and tribulations of life strengthen us as Christians so we can count these things as joy. Let us all “press on” in our daily walk with Christ!

 

Don't Worry About It

Worry or anxiety is distracting care. It is natural, in a way, to be anxious but we should not worry to the point of distracting us from important things. One cannot live the fullest life if he always worries about all the little things and often things that one cannot do anything about. Paul said: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). This word worry simply means to draw in many directions. Worry draws our mind away from our business and duties and puts it on things we probably cannot do much about anyway. We are afraid of what is going to happen - but it seldom does. Sometimes such worry leads to physical sickness. Do all we can about a problem, and then put faith in God that all will be well. But we can’t put faith in God if we are not a Christian first.

I have always tried to live by this general rule when it comes to the area of worry. If I can’t directly change, control, or alter the situation, then all I can do is pray to God concerning the situation and then just leave it in God’s hands. For example: If I were to send my daughter on an airplane to see her grandparents in another state, once that airplane took off, I can no longer change, control, or alter that airplane. I can only pray to God that she be safe and have a safe trip to her destination. If I worry about the situation, all that I will accomplish is to make myself physically sick. We need to learn and trust to put our cares and anxieties in His hands and let Him who has power over all things to direct the steps. When we do, then our life will be so much easier, and we will be able to fully concentrate on those things in which we can change. Put our trust, faith and hope in God first, then all will work out to His glory. 

The Harm in Worry

Worry drains our energy. Have you noticed how tired we are after we have been worrying about something in which we have no control over to change. Mental work is hard work, and it tires us the most possibly, when we are in deep pain of worry. So, one cannot live a full, fruitful life with worry always in their mind. We are using up energy which we need for more useful things. And besides a drain on our energy, it is a waste of time. What can be done when our mind is occupied with fear of that which might happen? While I am worrying, I should be using my mental faculties to do something constructive. I should be doing my work; or doing something for others. In fact, one of the best antidotes of worry is going out and helping others - which gets our mind off ourselves. I read of a man once who was so accustomed to worrying that he often worried because he had forgotten what he was worrying about. Faith in God is the remedy for worry!

Faith Repels Worry

Worry is anxiety to the point of distraction. We are usually afraid of what will happen. But trust in God as to the future is the great antidote of worry. With trust in God that He will do what is right, why should we worry? This is not to say nothing unpleasant will happen. But it does say we have a faith in the providence of God that whatever happens, God holds the future in His hands. Again, Paul said: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). It is said that we believe our doubts and doubt our beliefs. When Peter saw the great waves around him while walking on the water, he began to sink. Jesus said: “O thou of little faith.” If God feeds the birds and beautifies the flowers, will He not care for His greater creation? I encourage each one of us to read Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and gain a better, deeper understanding of the hand of God.

Trust in the Lord

Worry decays the mind, makes one miserable, wastes time and energy and makes our friends unhappy. Why worry? Faith in God is the answer to our worry problem. Thousands pop pills, others drink liquor, and many go to the psychiatrists. But the best tranquilizer is faith in God, obedience to the gospel, and living the Christian life. Yes, trust in the Lord is the answer. So, we want to be happy? Here’s how. Trust in the Lord, become a Christian by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), and then live a faithful life in His service (Revelation 2:10). Then, come what may, we know we have a home in heaven after life. But without that faith, or trust in the Lord, what future do we have to look forward to? Yes, the Lord knew what it would take to make men happy here and hereafter. Therefore, don’t worry about it.