Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Worry, in a biblical context, refers to a state of anxiety or unease about potential future events or outcomes. It is often characterized by a lack of trust in God's provision and care. The Bible addresses worry as a common human experience but encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than succumbing to anxiety.
Biblical References and Teachings:1.
Jesus' Teachings on Worry: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly addresses the issue of worry. In
Matthew 6:25-34, 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 futility of worry by pointing to God's care for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, stating, "Are you not much more valuable than they?" (
Matthew 6:26). He concludes by urging believers to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (
Matthew 6:33).
2.
Apostle Paul's Exhortations: The Apostle Paul also addresses worry in his epistles. In
Philippians 4:6-7, he advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . Paul encourages believers to replace worry with prayer and thanksgiving, promising that God's peace will protect their hearts and minds.
3.
Old Testament Insights: The Old Testament also provides wisdom on the topic of worry. In
Proverbs 12:25, it is written, "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up" . This proverb highlights the heavy burden that worry can place on an individual and the power of encouragement and positive words to uplift the spirit.
4.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Throughout Scripture, believers are reminded of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. In
Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" . This assurance is a call to trust in God's presence and support, even in times of uncertainty.
5.
Casting Worries on God:1 Peter 5:7 instructs believers to "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" . This verse encourages Christians to actively transfer their worries to God, trusting in His care and concern for their well-being.
Practical Implications for Believers:·
Faith Over Fear: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a mindset of faith rather than fear, trusting in God's promises and His ability to provide for their needs.
·
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Regular prayer and a heart of gratitude are presented as antidotes to worry, helping believers to focus on God's goodness and faithfulness.
·
Community Support: Engaging with a community of faith can provide encouragement and support, helping individuals to bear one another's burdens and alleviate worry.
Conclusion:The Bible consistently presents worry as an issue that can be overcome through trust in God, prayer, and a focus on His kingdom. By relying on God's promises and seeking His guidance, believers can find peace and assurance in the midst of life's uncertainties.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To harass by pursuit and barking; to attack repeatedly; also, to tear or mangle with the teeth.
2. (v. t.) To harass or beset with importunity, or with care an anxiety; to vex; to annoy; to torment; to tease; to fret; to trouble; to plague.
3. (v. t.) To harass with labor; to fatigue.
4. (v. i.) 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.
5. (n.) A state of undue solicitude; a state of disturbance from care and anxiety; vexation; anxiety; fret; as, to be in a worry.
Greek
3308. merimna -- care, anxiety... care, anxiety. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: merimna Phonetic
Spelling: (mer'-im-nah) Short Definition: care,
worry, anxiety Definition: care
...3791. ochleo -- to disturb, trouble
... to disturb, trouble. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ochleo Phonetic Spelling:
(okh-leh'-o) Short Definition: I trouble, torment,worry Definition: I...
5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye
... under the eye. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupopiazo Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-o-pee-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I bruise,worry, exhaust Definition: I...
3309. merimnao -- to be anxious, to care for
... cf. 1 Cor 12:25; Phil 2:20). 3809 ( ) is "an old verb forworry and anxiety --
literally, to be , distracted" (, 2, 156). It is...
3199. melo -- to be an object of care
... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to be an object of care NASB Word Usage care
(2), cares (1), concerned (4), defer (2),worry (1). take care....
4305. promerimnao -- to be anxious beforehand
... Word Origin from pro and merimnao Definition to be anxious beforehand NASB
Word Usageworry beforehand (1). be anxious beforehand....
Strong's Hebrew
5999. amal -- trouble, labor, toil... grievance, iniquity, labor, mischief, misery, painful, perverseness, sorrow,.
From amal; toil, ie Wearing effort; hence,
worry, wheth.
...6087. atsab -- to hurt, pain, grieve
... A primitive root; properly, to carve, ie Fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense)
toworry, pain or anger -- displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex...
Library
Worry Versus Peace
... XIXWorry versus Peace. 'Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God....
Fear Not.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service. (Psalm xxxvii:1-11; Matthew vi:19-34, Philippians
iv:6-7. American Revision.) Fear Not. There is nothing commoner thanworry....
Do Your Best --Leave the Rest.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service. (Psalm xxxvii:1-11... ours that have failed. A
good deal ofworry comes from pride and over-sensitiveness....
A Fence of Trust.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service. (Psalm xxxvii:1-11; Matthew... Fence of Trust.
It will help to understand just whatworry is. It is...
Thou Shalt not Steal.
... thought, and see whether a roasted chicken will fly into your mouth!" I do not say
that a man shall not labor and seek a living; but he shall notworry, not be...
What it Means to Trust the Lord
... There is noworry in trust. When weworry about anything, we have not committed
it to God.... So many people use up a large portion of their energy inworry....
Anxious for Nothing.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service.... There are three simple rules how not toworry. They
are infallible. I heard of a society whose purpose it was to cureworry....
He Careth for Thee.
... Fret over nothing, neverworry for a moment.... I was asked one time if it was possible
to reach an experience where we would never fret orworry....
Thankful for Anything.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service.... These temptations toworry are from the Evil
One. He can come in only through an open door. Remember that....
He Has You on his Heart.
...Worry: A Hindrance to Service.... I had their tickets. I reached the station from my
errands, hot and tired and with my head aching, ideal conditions forworry....
Thesaurus
Worry (14 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) A state of undue solicitude; a state of disturbance from care and anxiety;
vexation; anxiety; fret; as, to be in a
worry.
...Worry (14 Occurrences).
...Worries (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural ofWorry. Multi-Version Concordance
Worries (6 Occurrences). Matthew 13:22 And that sown toward...
Bother (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To annoy; to trouble; toworry; to perplex.
See Pother. 2. (vi) To feel care or anxiety; to make...
Governor's (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NIV). Matthew 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade
him and make you free ofworry." (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV)....
Gets (122 Occurrences)
... straying? (WEY). Matthew 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will
persuade him and make you free ofworry." (See NIV). Mark...
Worrying (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofWorry. Multi-Version
Concordance Worrying (3 Occurrences). Luke 12:25 Which of you...
Win (27 Occurrences)
... yourselves. (WEY NIV). Matthew 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we
will persuade him and make you free ofworry." (See NAS). Luke...
Importune (1 Occurrence)
... request or solicit, with urgency; to press with frequent demands, unreasonable or
troublesome application or pertinacity; hence, to tease; to irritate; toworry...
Turmoil (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Harassing labor; trouble; molestation by tumult; disturbance; worrying
confusion. 2. (vt) To harass with commotion; to disquiet; toworry....
Ears (449 Occurrences)
... Matthew 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him
and make you free ofworry." (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV)....
Resources
How should a Christian view Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anxiety? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about restlessness? | GotQuestions.orgWorry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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