By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
It is just human nature for some folks to worry about this or that. Some people will worry over something until it literally makes them ill. Worry can afflict you with mental distress or agitation when you are concerned or anxious about someone or something. It’s definitely not a fun time.
In the Bible, “worry” refers to anxious, divided thinking about future needs—often described as a lack of trust in God’s care and provision, based on teachings such as Matthew 6:25–34 and Philippians 4:6–7. The scripture tells us that a merry heart is like good medicine!
Across both Old and New Testaments, worry is consistently portrayed as:
Anxiety about future outcomes — unease over what might happen.
Divided attention — the Greek word merimnao (used by Jesus in Matthew 6) literally means “to be pulled in different directions.”
A distraction from trusting God — worry is seen as something that draws the heart away from confidence in God’s provision.
A burden God invites believers to cast on Him — “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Are you worried about the future? You don’t have to know what is next. God already does (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you one that tries to control everything? Do what you can, trust God with the rest (Proverbs 3:5-6). Are you feeling overwhelmed? Give your burdens to Him. You don’t have to carry them alone (Matthew 11:28). Does fear keep you awake? You don’t have to be afraid. God is with you (Isaiah 41:10). Are you worried about finances? Don’t panic. Trust God to provide what you need (Philippians 4:19). Are you struggling with guilt from your past? You can’t change yesterday, but God’s grace can cover it (John 1:9). Are you facing a health scare? Don’t live in “what ifs.” God is your healer and your strength (Jeremiah 30:17). Do you feel alone, even around others? You are not forgotten. God is with you always (Deuteronomy 31:6). Are you stuck in a situation that won’t change? Do what you can and surrender what you can’t. God is in control (Romans 8:28).
God’s Word is a hope and cure for what is troubling us. Comfort in affliction: God’s promises remind us He is present and faithful, even in suffering. Guidance in uncertainty: His Word illuminates the way forward, giving direction and peace. Strength in weakness: Passages like Isaiah 41:10 and Philippians 4:13 show that His Word fuels resilience. Faith and perseverance: Romans 5:3–5 explains that trials, through faith, produce hope and character.
When we rest in God’s Word, we are healed of spiritual and emotional distress, anchored in hope, and empowered to face life’s challenges. As Psalm 119:114 says, “I hope in your word,” and Romans 8:28 assures that all things work together for good for those who love God. In short, God’s Word is both the hope that sustains us and the cure that restores us, because it is the living truth of God’s love, power, and promises.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
