Why Worry?
Has a day in your life ever gone by when you didn't worry about something or someone? Most of us worry about the usual things: money, kids, jobs, crime, health, etc. Others, however have loved ones overseas fighting for their country, and they worry about them. The Lord commanded us in this verse not to worry about the things in life. Unfortunately for us, it's easier said than done. However, the acid test to a person's faith walk is more accurately measured not when times are good, but when they are not. Let me ask you a question: Does worrying ever help your situation? I've never experience or heard tale of a situation improving because of worry. Have you? What does worry do? Worry makes you anxious, grouchy, sleepless, emotionally unstable, antisocial, and generally unhappy. Why would anyone desire to be in such a state? Although no one actually desires to worry, but life is filled with circumstances and events that cause a disruption in a person's normal life. In the Bible, this is commonly referred to as a storm.
As Jesus taught His disciples (that's us) about not worrying, He also practiced what He preached. Jesus would not be moved--regardless of what storm hit Him. In Mark 4: 35-41, Jesus gave us a great example of what to do when a storm hits. Before getting on a boat, the Lord said to His disciples: Let us pass over unto the other side. (v. 35) During the trip, everyone was fine, probably singing hymns, considering the words of our Savior, and discussing all the miracles Jesus had performed that day. They probably laughed with each other and wondered what He would do once they arrived to the other side. But, when there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (v. 37), the disciples' behavior changed. Their eyes and senses told them they were sinking. After all, the boat was full of water, right? The wind was great and with the waves, I imagine the boat being tossed about the sea like a rubber duck would do if you did a cannonball in the bathtub. The disciples were in fear for their lives, but they had forgotten two very important things. 1) Jesus had said, Let us pass over unto the other side; and 2) Jesus was with them on the boat. They had forgotten about the word the Living Word had spoken. In essence, they were operating in fear, which is carnal, instead of faith, which is spiritual.
I don't think it was an accident that the Lord said, Let us pass over as we all know that the Passover is celebration of God's protection of Israel's firstborn (Exodus 12). While the disciples were wailing in fear, what was Jesus doing? Verse 38 says: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow. And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, Do you not care that we perish? The disciples' question reflects the perception of many who operate in the flesh to a person who walks in faith. They think they don't care. While the disciples saw apathy in Jesus, the Lord was simply walking in faithwell, not actually walking, but sleeping. Of course the Lord cared about His disciples, and Jesus cared enough to quickly rebuke the storm and the winds ceased and there was a great calm (v. 39) After rebuking the sea, the Lord scolded His carnal followers: Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? (v. 40)
There are three lessons to be learned here. First of all, worry is a manifestation of fear. Like it or not, it's true. The Bible says: Fear has torment. [1 John 4:18] Fear is the opposite of faith, so if you worry, obviously, you are not operating in faith. Secondly, worrying will never better your situation--although it can certainly make it worse. Worry causes stress and the underlying fear can move you away from the protective grace of God. If the disciples, out of fear, would have jumped over the side, they probably would have drowned. Jesus said in Matthew 6: 27: Which of you by taking thought can add one inch to your stature? And finally, Jesus shows us how to react when the storm hits. He spoke to the storm, Peace be still. (v. 39). When a problem or circumstance arises and you find the spirit of worry paying you a visit, speak to your circumstances using the word of God. Jesus taught us that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we could speak to a mountain and cast it into the sea. [Mark 11:22-23] Some of you may be going through the storm of your lives and in your physical eyes, it seems that you're sinking. But know that the Lord, as He was with the disciples, is with you and ready to act upon your faith. Speak to your mountains today, and when the devil tells you to worry, rebuke Him with the sword God has given you. Lastly, after speaking to your mountain, pray. Praying--especially in tongues--will release an anointing from your spirit and relieve your anxiety.
