Freedom from Worry: A Path to Inner Peace
As I prepared to leave my parents’ house, my mom expressed her concern about my safety. Whether I took the bus or drove, she worried about my well-being. It dawned on me that no matter what I chose, worry would always be present. This realization made me ponder: are we ever truly free from worry?
The Weight of Worry
Worry can be overwhelming, preventing us from becoming the people God desires us to be. In times of stress or helplessness, worries can consume our minds. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Yet, putting this into practice can be a challenge.
The Flip Side of Worry
Perhaps it’s time to consider an alternative approach. As Rick Warren notes in The Purpose Driven Life, “When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over in your mind, that’s meditation.” This type of meditation isn’t an esoteric exercise, but rather a focused thinking that directs us to God’s truth.
A Biblical Approach to Meditation
After Moses’ passing, God advised Joshua, the new leader of the Israelites, to “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.” (Joshua 1:8) This guidance remains relevant today. When worry creeps in, we can:
- Remember God’s promises
- Turn our worries into meditation on His word and prayer
As Psalm 104:34 encourages, “May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the LORD.”
Reflecting on Worry
What has been causing you to worry lately? How can you surrender these worries to God? By doing so, you can embark on a journey towards inner peace and freedom from worry.
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