Definition and Nature:
Worries, often referred to as anxieties or cares, are feelings of unease or concern about potential future events or outcomes. In the biblical context, worries are seen as distractions that can hinder one's faith and trust in God. The Bible addresses worries as a common human experience but encourages believers to place their trust in God's providence and care.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 6:25-34: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of worry directly. He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring that all these things will be added to them. He uses the examples of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field to illustrate God's provision and care: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

2. Philippians 4:6-7: The Apostle Paul provides guidance on handling worries by encouraging believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. He assures that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

3. 1 Peter 5:7: Peter exhorts believers to cast all their anxieties on God because He cares for them. This verse highlights the personal nature of God's concern for His people and His willingness to bear their burdens: "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

4. Psalm 55:22: The psalmist encourages the faithful to cast their burdens on the Lord, promising that He will sustain them and never let the righteous be shaken: "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken" (Psalm 55:22).

Theological Insights:

· Trust in Divine Providence: Worry is often seen as a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Bible consistently calls believers to trust in God's plan and provision, recognizing that He is in control of all circumstances.

· Spiritual Discipline: Addressing worries involves spiritual discipline, including prayer, meditation on Scripture, and cultivating a heart of gratitude. These practices help believers refocus their minds on God's promises and character.

· Community Support: The Christian community plays a vital role in supporting individuals who struggle with worries. Fellowship, encouragement, and mutual prayer are means by which believers can bear one another's burdens.

· Eternal Perspective: The Bible encourages an eternal perspective, reminding believers that earthly concerns are temporary and that their ultimate hope and security lie in the eternal promises of God.

Practical Application:

· Daily Surrender: Believers are encouraged to daily surrender their worries to God, trusting in His care and provision.
· Scripture Meditation: Regular meditation on Scripture can help combat worry by reinforcing God's promises and faithfulness.
· Prayer and Thanksgiving: Engaging in prayer and expressing gratitude can shift focus from anxiety to trust in God's goodness.
· Seek Support: Engaging with a faith community for support and encouragement can provide strength and perspective in times of worry.(n.) Plural of Worry.3308. merimna -- care, anxiety
... See 3309 (). Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition care, anxiety NASB Word
Usage anxiety (1), concern (1), worries (3), worry (1). care. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3308.htm - 7k

How to Work God's Joy-Machine
... "Oh," said Brother Littlejoy, "I have so many troubles and worries and perplexities ...
But how am I to get rid of all my troubles and worries and heavy burdens?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-five how to work.htm

Private Property and the Common Good
... emotional type. But the climax of his difficulties was a mind preoccupied
by property worries, or lured by the illusions of wealth. He ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter viii private property and.htm

How Man's Activity Should be Purely in the Intellect and not in ...
... So he is always trying to draw man's mind away from the Lord God, now by temptations
or passions, now by superfluous worries and pointless cares, now by ...
/.../albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 4 how mans activity.htm

How the Heart Should be Gathered Within Itself
... ways hindered in the practical enjoyment of this matter and are unable to get into
it is clearly because the human mind is so distracted by worries that it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 7 how the heart.htm

How God's Providence Includes Everything
... a man's thoughts. On which subject Scripture has this to say, Cast all
your worries upon him, for he takes care of you. (1 Peter ...
/.../albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 16 how gods providence.htm

The Carthage Student
... He had forgotten her lessons, and it did not trouble him much if his conduct added
to the worries of the widow, who was now struggling with her husband's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the carthage student.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... soul's health. Trials and troubles, worries and turmoils, little frets and
little disappointments, may all help you if you will. Like ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... works of Basil and Gregory on my table, I know that you are doing all kinds of
necessary business for me, and sheltering me from needless worries in matters in ...
/.../chapter xxi anxieties and troubles.htm

The Fall of Eutropius
... Nothing but the indolence which Eutropius had fostered, and the dread of innumerable
worries from which the Minister had relieved him, had prevented him from ...
/.../chapter xxvi the fall of.htm

Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
... all. And the worries and the sorrows of our daily life need the exhortation
here, quite as much as did the martyr's pains. White ...
/.../sorrowful yet always rejoicing.htm

Worries (6 Occurrences)
... (n.) Plural of Worry. Multi-Version Concordance Worries (6 Occurrences). ... (See NAS).
1 Peter 5:7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. (WEB). ...
/w/worries.htm - 8k

Worry (14 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To feel or express undue care and anxiety; to manifest disquietude or pain;
to be fretful; to chafe; as, the child worries; the horse worries. ...
/w/worry.htm - 10k

Worried (6 Occurrences)

/w/worried.htm - 8k

Runs (28 Occurrences)
... one who is not a shepherd and does not own the sheep--no sooner sees the wolf coming
than he leaves the sheep and runs away; and the wolf worries and scatters ...
/r/runs.htm - 13k

Cares (28 Occurrences)
... ones: (See NAS). 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your worries on him, because he
cares for you. (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). Deuteronomy 11:12 ...
/c/cares.htm - 13k

Casting (54 Occurrences)
... for casting down. (ASV YLT). 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your worries on him,
because he cares for you. (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS). Jude 1:13 ...
/c/casting.htm - 22k

How can I turn all my worries and problems over to God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus is the answer? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.org

Worries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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