Worry is a Deadly Habit

3 John 2 NKJV

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

God wants us to have a good life, a life that prospers in every arena.

We all know that a sick life does not fulfill the description of a prosperous life. God has provided healing for every one of us, but it will show up in our lives according to the measure that our soul prospers. When do our souls prosper? When we embrace God’s thoughts! So, the more we embrace His thoughts, the more prosperous our souls will be. And as our souls prosper, so does our healing and health.

One thing that will rob your soul of being prosperous is worry. Why? Because when we worry, we can’t embrace God’s thoughts. Worry can very quickly sabotage your healing. Most Christians would agree that stealing, lying, and murder are sins. However, many Christians do not realize that worry is a sin. Worry is a sin because worry is unbelief.

Worry is the opposite of faith. Worry is believing the worst instead of the best, which is God’s thoughts. Worry is FEAR.

Worrying about your health is a great big invitation to the devil to put sickness and disease on you. This is one of the problems Job had. He had a worry problem.

Job 3:25 KJV

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job’s fear left a wide open door to the devil to attack him, and not just in health but in almost every arena of his life.

Jesus actually taught us not to worry:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life. . . . Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”

Matt 6:25 and 27 NKJV

If you can’t add one inch to your height or one hair to your head by worrying, then you absolutely cannot change more serious situations in your life by worrying. Medical science tells us that smoking and drinking are habits that can ruin your health and send you to an early grave. But did you know that worry will destroy your health and kill you even faster than smoking and drinking? Jesus was so serious about us not worrying that He commanded us not to do it. If we ignore His commandments, that is a form of sin because it is unbelief. Most Christians would agree that stealing, lying, and murder are sins but they don’t realize that worry—because it is unbelief—is also a sin.

 I think we all know it’s not good to worry. But most people are highly developed in their worry skills and don’t even realize how much they worry to begin with. To worry is to meditate in the negative direction. The mind is not built to conduct worry, so those who worry will eventually have a breakdown of the mind and then the body. Worry cannot receive healing, it can only receive sickness.

So how can we stop this deadly worry habit and enjoy good health? By  

…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

The Amplified Classic version says it this way:

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps 55:22.]

You are to give your worries to Jesus and leave them there. As long as you are worrying about something, all the prayer in the world won’t change it! By casting the care completely over on the Lord, you are demonstrating a trust in Him that you believe He is bringing the answer to your prayer to pass.

When we really trust that He will do what He says in His Word, then there will be no room left for worry and fear. Trust means FAITH. Faith is how we obtain promises, not by worry.

Here is a glimpse of what faith will do:

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again.

Hebrews 11:33-35 NKJV

But worry has the opposite effect. No promises will be obtained if you remain in a state of worry. Worry is a poor receiver. And that is why as long as you are worrying, you will have difficultly receiving healing or anything else from the Lord.

There is a story in the Bible of a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve long years. After she was healed by Jesus, Jesus said to her to go in peace.

 And He said to her, Daughter, your faith (your trust and confidence in Me, springing from faith in God) has restored you to health. Go in (into) peace and be continually healed and freed from your [distressing bodily] disease.  Mark 5:34 AMPC

Jesus understood that in order for this woman to keep her healing, she had to stay in peace and not worry. The same is true for you and me today. We are to cast all our cares upon the Lord and trust Him to do exactly what He said He would do in His word.

Here is another scriptural admonition not to worry.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 AMPC

The next time you catch yourself starting to worry about something, confess that you refuse to worry. Pray and ask the Lord for the answer you need. And then give Him thanksgiving and praise because the answer is on the way. This is how a prosperous soul looks!

If you're in the Aurora/Naperville area and are looking for a church that teaches the uncompromising Word of God, we invite you to visit Abundant Life Family Church. As a Word and Spirit church, we are committed to helping believers grow in faith, experience the power of God, and walk in His promises. Our services are filled with dynamic worship, Bible-based teaching, and an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit moves. Whether you’re searching for a church home or seeking a deeper relationship with God, we welcome you to join us and be part of a thriving community of faith!