Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;   Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

I know that throughout my life I've spent more time worrying about things that I should. I've worried about children, money, taxes, vehicles, political correctness, housing, debt, bosses, jobs, health, friends, business and many other things that aren't coming to mind at the moment. Through it all I seriously doubt that any of my worry has helped in any way. In most situations it has actually caused harm or interfered with life, especially living a joyful life.

All those hours spent in worry are hours that I'll never have again. Hours that could have been spent more productively, for myself and for Christ.   We don't need to worry; in fact, the Bible has many reasons why we should not waste our time on Worry. Here are four:

1. Worrying Solves Nothing.

Worrying is a waste of very precious time. Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it?

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. Matthew 6:27-29 (NLT)

2. Worrying is Destructive to Your Health.

Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause illness.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.

The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust.

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 6:30 (NLT)  

4. Worrying Takes Your Focus Off of God.

When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need.

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

What is the first thing you think of each morning? Do you rise from your slumber with a thankful heart, looking forward to what the hours ahead bring, or do you wake up and immediately strap on the burden of worry?   Give all your worry to God; He will provide for your every need.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)