No Benefit in Worrying

Week 40, Wednesday

Shari Falwell

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

Women tend to worry. And if worry isn’t dealt with, it can become all-consuming. I can worry about my husband, kids, friends, other family members, to-do lists, other activities, and finally my responsibilities in ministry.

Women are expected to be multitaskers. This can be overwhelming at times, and when the results expected are not achieved, we can find ourselves in an emotional state of worry. This worry does not benefit us, our families, and most importantly our Lord.

There are several other verses that speak about worrying: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life. . . . Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25,27).

When my husband was voted in as senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, it was a very emotional time. His father, Jerry Falwell, had gone to be with the Lord just weeks earlier. We were still mourning and trying to adjust to this great loss. We knew God wasn’t surprised and this was all part of His plan. We also knew that Jerry Falwell spent his life telling others about this moment. He was with Jesus, the Man he served for over fifty years, and he wouldn’t come back if he could.

However, we weren’t in heaven. As people congratulated Jonathan and me on his new position, they would ask me how I felt. I answered, “Overwhelmed,” to each person that asked me. I must have said that word over a thousand times.

The next morning, during my quiet time, I was weeping and pleading with the Lord for His help. I said, “Lord, I am overwhelmed. I need You to help me.” After the tears were wiped away, I opened the Bible to the book of Proverbs and read: “My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life. I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. Nothing will hold you back; you will not be overwhelmed” (Proverbs 4:10-12, ncv, emphasis added).

I knew worrying wouldn’t benefit me or anyone else. Trusting God and His Word is always the best option.

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7, nlt). I know that when my life becomes overwhelming, You promised me that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. When the load feels heavy, help me realize the heaviness is my doing, not Yours. Please take my load; I release it into Your care. Amen.