In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?”
He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”*
Isn’t that great? Worry is a kind of suffering in and of itself, and then so is the problem you were thinking about in the first place.
We all seem to want to worry less. And we can quote Bible verses which encourage us in that direction. One is Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That’s a great verse. It’s also easier said than done. It can also make some people feel guilty because they think that their ongoing worry means they don’t truly trust God.
Recently I heard an interview with someone who talked about the ONGOING nature of presenting your requests to God. We are to do this “in every situation.” We present our worries to him, and then we do it again. And then again after that. Going to God with worry is a way-of-life thing, not just a one-time thing.
Newt Scamander’s philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice. Based on my own experience I would say that is definitely true. I realize that suffering is a part of life, but I’m not looking for extra opportunities to do so unnecessarily.
So let’s bring our worries to God—whenever they tighten their talons on our mind—and make going to God a way-of-life thing instead of a one-time thing.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Notes:
–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on September 27, 2021.
–At the church I pastor, we’ve introduced additional outdoor worship services. Click here to learn more.
–This Sunday at Westminster: The humanity of Jesus and 3 helps for the weary soul. Click here to sign up for an automatic Sunday morning email reminder which takes you directly to our live-stream.
–* From the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Text script accessed here on Sept 6, 2021.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
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