While hardly a fan of the heretic Joyce Meyer, I am aware that God employs even the wicked to advance His cause. Joyce has correctly stated that, “Worry is a downpayment on a problem you may never have.” In other words, worry is a waste of valuable time and emotional resources, especially considering that most of what we worry about never comes to fruition. However, we all know that ceasing our worrying ways is much easier said than done.

George MacDonald, the 19th century Scottish author, poet, and minister, wisely asserted, “It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God’s. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present.”

Jesus expressed this notion even more eloquently in Matthew 6:34: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

So, one might ask, what are we supposed to do rather than worry? Open your Bible; start with Philippians 4:6-7: ⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Keep reading if you wish.

Then maybe take a walk, breath some fresh air, and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. If you happen to see a heart-shaped leaf, imagine that it’s a loving confirmation from our Creator that everything is going to be alright … because it will!