Caitlin M. Smith

The world sends us a false message. It tells us that in order to care, we must worry. If I tell you serious news, and you don’t express concern, fear, shock, or anxiety on my behalf, you obviously don’t truly care. The misconception is that if we don’t lose sleep over something, it means little to us. If we aren’t obsessing over what could go wrong, we aren’t invested in making sure it goes right. These misconceptions are exactly that: misconceptions.

You can care about someone or something without worrying, in fact, this type of care is encouraged. Worry happens in the presence of fear. When Jesus was in a boat with his disciples, a big storm came—so big, in fact, that waves were breaking over the boat and filling it with water. Jesus was asleep, so the disciples woke him, saying, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38b) What happened next? Jesus got up and told the wind and waves to be still. Afterward, he said to the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40b)

The disciples allowed fear to get the best of them. They looked at the vicious storm and were afraid they would die. Instead of trusting God to calm the storm, they let the external circumstance dictate the condition of their heart.

Where there is fear, faith cannot flourish.

When we worry, we give fear permission to run through our minds. Doubts, questions, and anxiety start to reign where faith should reside. Instead of worrying about a situation, choose to let faith arise in your heart. By standing in faith, you are believing that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He’ll do what He says He will do. In fact, Jesus says this:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12-13)

Through faith in Jesus, we have no need to worry. Jesus can calm storms, heal people, move mountains, cast out demons, multiply food, and so much more. He is Lord over everything, and He is able to meet our every need. When we have Jesus living in our hearts, there is no need to worry.

Next time you hear bad news, heed the words of Jesus to Jairus in Mark 5, when people told Jairus that his daughter was dead: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36b) Jesus went on to heal the young girl.

Even if others expect you to show worry as a sign of care, don’t. Why sow seeds of negativity, when you’re expecting a positive outcome? Negative seeds produce negative fruit, and good seeds produce good fruit. Instead, show them love and speak words of faith into their situation. Consider saying things like, “I’m believing God for an even better job opportunity for you,” “With God, all things are possible,” or “I’m thinking about you. God has something great in store for you.” Rise up in faith and believe. Your faith may help stir up the faith in your friend.

For now, I’ll leave you with some of Jesus’ words. He said: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Lift Smart. Love Hard. Stay Positive.

C.M.