DON'T WORRY ~ Precious Victor Akah

We're often tempted to worry as believers when events that seem beyond our control happens or challenges that appear insurmountable confront us, and many of us give in to the temptation to worry. But sadly, worrying does not in any way overturn any ugly/negative situation, rather, it paralyzes us, shuts down our mind and makes it very difficult/impossible for us to hear from God concerning the way out of that challenge, no wonder God told us in Scripture not to worry, because there is always a way out. The reason you worry is because you think there is no way out, but God assures us in His Word that there is always a way out.

Beyond the fact that worrying is a sin because it is a direct disobedience to God's instruction to us in Philippians 4:4-7, it is also a sign of spiritual weakness which comes from prayerlessness and wordlessness (not reading and studying the Word of God enough). One is spiritually weak if whenever a difficult challenge or ugly situation confronts them they immediately give in to worry. Because why worry when you know that all things works together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28), and that with God, you can overcome and overturn any unpleasant situation?

Scripture says, "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10), in other words, if you feel helpless and give in to worry when a difficult challenge confronts you, you're spiritually weak (your spiritual strength is small).

Philippians 4:4-7 reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Almost every Christian knows this above Scripture or has heard or read it, but majority of us do not live by it. We hardly even remember it when the temptation to worry comes, we just give in immediately. The truth is, the temptation to worry will always come. But we have to remember the power of this Scripture to overcome every temptation to worry.

This Scripture has helped me from time to time and it still helps me to date in combating worry. There is this unusual power to overcome any challenge that is supplied to you when you get into the Word and review, recite and meditate on this Scripture anytime you're tempted to worry about anything. This Scripture works for me in fighting off worry and anxiety.

Each time I read it meditatively and prayerfully, the peace of God saturates my heart and mind and every worry is dispelled. What is that situation that is making you have sleepless night and worry all-day? What is that present challenge that seems to be driving you into worry, anxiety and depression? Philippians 4:4 says Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Why should you rejoice when it doesn't make sense to rejoice in the midst of a difficult challenge? Because with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). It is with joy you will overcome that unpleasant situation. Worrying, complaining, murmuring, sorrowing, and weeping cannot bring you out of that negative situation.

Know this. Understand this. And always remember this whenever you're tempted to worry about anything. "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done." Instead of worrying, pray. Tell God what you want. Declare how things should be, using the authority you have as a child of God. Overturn things to favour you in the Name of Jesus. And then give thanks to God for He has heard you and has answered your prayer. Wait patiently for its physical manifestation.

This is how we fight and overcome or overturn negative situations as children of God. I declare the peace of God to saturate your heart and rule your mind right now, in the Name of Jesus. That negative situation is overturned for good and to your favour, in Jesus' Name.

Remain blessed.

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